Overseeding is a very simple but effective way to rejuvenate old or damaged grass leys without the cost of a complete reseed. Increases in yield and quality can be achieved without ploughing and the time spent out of production can be reduced.
Overseeding is a simple but effective way to rejuvenate old or damaged grass leys, without the cost implications associated with a complete reseed. Overseeding can also be more efficient and reduces the amount of time that home-grown grass forage is out of production.
Timing is imperative with overseeding, and the main aim is to minimise competition from the existing sward. The best time to overseed is March, April, July or September as the grasses are not growing as vigorously as they are in May and June.
Although the high fertiliser and fuel prices are scary to think about, all is not lost when it comes to managing grassland this spring.
Home-grown forage remains the cheapest form of feed available, and we need to keep this front of mind when making decisions to see the full value of the investment. Here are my top tips to maximising your investment.
If you didn’t look at reseeding last spring, this autumn could be an ideal time to invest in your forage quantity and quality.
This is our quick guide to the characteristics of the different grasses used in our mixes.
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%.
Six steps for the preparation of reseeding leys, through to managing weeds once leys are established.
Richard Edge of Wimboldsley Grange, Middlewich, who farms 800 acres with his father, John and mother, Ruth, is a first-time grower of Gravity. He says his expectations for his wheat have been exceeded this summer – most importantly in terms of Gravity’s yield potential.
