Reseeding monocultures to increase grass production

Description

Description of the innovation

The 10 Steps to Reseeding

  1. Identify under-performing paddocks for reseeding
  2. Plan to reseed early
  3. Soil test –Before reseeding
  4. Spray off paddock
  5. Prepare a firm, fine seed bed
  6. Choose the most profitable varieties (Use Pasture Profit Index)
  7. Spread lime and N,P and K
  8. Roll after sowing
  9. Post emergence spra
  10. Graze at a low cover (700kg-1000kgDM/ha)

Advantages

  • Increase the overall productivity of the farm (sales, farm output & silage production)
  • Allow higher animal output per hectare relative to permanent pasture
  • Increase grass quality and utilisa-tion (profit!)

Disadvantages

  • Soil fertility needs to be correct on the farm before reseeding
  • Farmer must do everything cor-rect to ensure good germination rates
  • Resseding can be expensive when not carried out correctly

Cultivation

  • All methods effective when carried out correctly

Soil Fertility

  • Soil test, lime and appropriate fertiliser (N, P & K) (2.5 T lime/acre) (3 bags 10-10-20/acre)
  • Lime- Increase seed germination
  • Optimum pH – 6.3, P: Index 3 and K: index 4
  • Post sowing management
  • Ensure seed bed is rolled following seeding
  • +30 Units N/Acre (Weeks 4-5)
  • Post emergence spray – 5-6 weeks after re-seeding (best time to control docks)
  • 1st grazing – 700 – 1000 kg DM/ha
  • Graze every 17 – 21 days (1000 – 1400 kg DM/ha)
  • Check for uniform establishment (pests)
  • Avoid silage in first year if possible

More information

Additional information

Domains of innovation

forage mixture

Main types of animal

beef cattle, dairy cattle, meat sheep

Country

Ireland

Product type

Technical leaflet

Language

English

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