6 steps to prepare for reseeding

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.

Take a soil sample at 10cm (4 inches) to analyse pH, P and K indices

• Plough & press the ground.
• Apply seedbed fertiliser as required
• Apply lime to achieve 6.5 pH at maximum of 5t/ha (2t/acre), split-dress if more is required
• Work down to prepare a fine, firm seedbed

• 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 celcius. Temperatures need to rise to achieve satisfactory growth

• 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 tilered 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
• Weed control in the new ley is usually necessary to ensure good establishment and to avoid a gappy sward
• 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.