Step 1 - Destroy old sward
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.
Step 2 - Conduct soil sampling
Take a soil sample at 10cm (4 inches) to analyse pH, P and K indices
Step 3 - Ploughing fertiliser and lime
- 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
Step 4 - Ring roll
- Drill or broadcast the seed onto the rolled seedbed.
- Ring roll or light harrow to ensure maximum contact between seed and soil.
Step 5 - Wait for the right temperatures
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
Step 6 - Keeping weeds under control
- 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.
