#AllAboutAcresBlog – Reseeding
I’ll go through all the common frequently asked questions, and lets take a look at the options available.
What’s the 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩 to reseeding?
- Increase in the overall productivity, carrying capacity (stocking rate) & grass quality and utilisation
- More response to your fertiliser
- Higher animal output – 8% higher milk output per hectare relative to permanent pasture
What’s the 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 to reseed?
Most reseeding in Ireland takes place in Autumn. This is generally because of feed allocations and the higher demand for grass in the Spring. However, due to unpredictable soil conditions in the Autumn, Spring reseeding certainly offers greater flexibility in terms of ground conditions and the ability to apply post emergence sprays. Pest damage can also be an issue in the Autumn. More stable and reliable soil conditions in Spring generally offer more success for the establishment of white clover.
Regardless of when you are considering your reseed, it will usually take around 11 months to fully establish.
When can a sward be 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣?
Aim for 60 days. The time that the sward is out of action can be reduced by cultivating 7-10 days after spraying off the old grass – don’t wait too long after spray off! (weather will influence this, however, in Spring, conditions are less severe than autumn).
What’s the 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥-𝙗𝙮-𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨?
1) Spray off your existing sward. Use glyphosate where docks or ragwort weeds are present.
2) Cultivation should commence 7-10 days after spraying off (where conditions allow).
3) 5-6 weeks after sowing, use a post-emergence spray.
4) Roll to allow for a firm seed bed & seed to soil contact. If rolling isn’t viable at sowing, roll before you graze! Otherwise your loose plants will be uprooted once you allow animals to graze.
5) Keep an eye out for pests!
What can I do to get 𝙨𝙤𝙞𝙡 𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 for a reseed?
Soil fertility is absolutely vital to allow for PRG to establish well. Soil testing can provide you with this information.
Soil test BEFORE reseeding, in the Autumn.
Do not apply more than 3t/acre in a single application of LIME.
P and K must be brought up to index 3.
Nitrogen is essential for establishment of good grass – apply 40kg N/ha when reseeding.
Following reseeding, paddocks should be soil tested again the following year to ensure that fertility of the soil is optimal for grass growth.
What 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 are available?
· Ploughing
· Discing
· One-pass
· Direct-drill
How do I know which 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙙 to choose?
First thing to consider is what is the primary use of the field – grazing or silage.
There are two types of cultivars – tetraploid and diploid. Combing both will create a dense, high quality sward.
For better ground cover, increase the proportion of diploids.
There should be no more than 3-4 cultivars in a grass mix, allowing for 14kg/acre of seed.
Specifically for Grazing – look for cultivars from the DAFM recommended list with high digestibility values, medium leaf WC for cattle/small leaf WC for sheep, 35/50% tetraploid on dry soil, 15-20% highly persistent tetraploids on heavy soils.
Specifically for Silage – look for cultivars with high silage yields, 40% tetraploids, avoid poorly persistent tetraploids.
How do I 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙?
In the first 8 weeks:
· Spray weeks before grazing
· Graze when grass is at 2-leaf stage – approx.. 700-1000kg DM/ha – grazing by calves/young stock may be a better option.
Post 8-weeks:
· Graze at 1,000-1,400kgDM/ha (6-7cm)
· Respray weeds if required
Autumn:
· Graze off well before first winter (below 4cm)
· Apply light slurry application
Year 2:
· New sward should receive N
· Monitor P and K status
With grass being the predominant feed source 365 days a year, reseeding is an on-farm investment which should be considered for future returns.
Discover your options by getting in touch - Temple Agri Consultancy
"Working for, with and to get the best for the farmers".

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