Achieving quality grass through reseeding

Quality grass is a cost-effective part of feeding and regular reseeding ensures that the required nutritional value of the ley is maintained. New leys can help deliver a 33% increase in yield in the first year compared to a typical old sward, and in a drought year this can increase up to 50%.

The first things to consider are how long you would like the ley to last and what you want the mix to do - is it a short / medium term mix for silage or a medium / longterm mix for grazing and/or silage? Another important consideration should be whether the mix would benefit from additional species such as clovers. Speak to a Wynnstay specialist for bespoke advice on the best mixture for you, making sure that all the varieties within the mix are on the Grass and Clover Recommended List.

• Whether there is a high level of weeds, such as docks and thistles, in the ley
• How well the ley responds to nitrogen applications
• Are the leys producing less forage per acre and is the regrowth slower after a graze or cut

1. Destroy the old sward using a product containing glyphosate. Ensure there is sufficient new growth for the chemical to be taken up and that an appropriate rate is applied under correct conditions. Whilst this treatment will control actively growing plants it will not kill dormant seed in the soil

2. Take a soil sample at 10cm (4 inches) to analyse pH, P and K indices. Speak to a Wynnstay specialist for more support on grassland soil analysis.

3. When you have an understanding of your soil status, apply FYM.

4. Follow this with a plough and press.

5. Apply seedbed fertiliser as discussed with your specialist. Apply lime to achieve 6.5 pH at maximum of 5t/ha (2t/acre), split-dress if more is required.

6. Work down to prepare a fine, firm seedbed and ring roll.

7. Drill or broadcast the seed onto the rolled seedbed. Ring roll or light harrow to ensure maximum contact between seed and soil. Grass and clovers will not germinate until the average daily soil temperature is above 5 degrees. Temperatures need to rise to achieve satisfactory growth.

8. Graze periodically from 8-12cm (3-4 1/2 inches) down to 3-6cm (1-1 1/2 inches). This will help achieve a densely tillered leafy sward. The removal of grass allows light to reach and stimulate grass tiller buds and clover growing points. Sheep or young cattle are less likely to poach the developing sward.

9. Weed control in the new ley is essential to ensure good establishment and to avoid a gappy sward.

10. If significant weed problems are expected, you should consider establishing the ley without clover and introducing it once a herbicide has been applied to the sward.

Read more: How to increase grassland production by overseeding