Spring grass seeding
With 65% of the UK’s utilised agricultural area is down as grass – including permanent pasture and temporary grass (DEFRA, 2021). Grass is a key crop that requires good management to maximise efficiency and use, whether it is used solely for grazing, cutting or a mix of both. As part of this management, a spring seeding can offer an opportunity to take stock of the grass that is growing and decide if an overseed or full reseed could be required.
Things to consider
The grass reseed might not have time to fully establish before needing to turn livestock out onto it. This risk can be reduced with overseeding the existing ley to boost production. As conditions improve in the spring, if the grass reseed hasn’t taken, there is more chance of weeds taking over. However, there is always the second chance of an autumn sowing if things haven’t gone to plan!
Overseed or reseed?
Overseeding is often seen as a short term option for that quick boost, whereas a full reseed can be seed as more costly but can achieve good results when required. The table below illustrates the key benefits to either choice.
However:
Timing is important! Wait until the soil is warm enough for grass growth – at 5 degrees (8 for clover). Avoid overseeding at times of peak growth for existing grass.
Make sure soil conditions are good before roceeding.
Choose varieties suited to the chosen option - use species that will establish rapidly and won’t be out competed by the existing ley if overseeding, i.e. IRG, Hybrid or Tetraploid PRG. Species such as Timothy will be slower to establish and less competitive but are beneficial late on in the season when other species growth slows, making them more suitable for a reseed.
Adding in Clover
Adding clover into an existing ley or as part of a complete reseed has many benefits. From a forage perspective, clover is a good source of protein to the feed, while also boosting palatability. As well as this, clover has the ability to fix nitrogen. This is useful in increasing yield in low input systems and increasing N uptake of the companion grasses. Due to the nature of the clover it does also offer some drought resistance in hot years, with its extensive root network. Clovers are best sown in early spring or post first cut of silage, as there will be less competition from the more dominant grass species. Or choose a mix with clover in for a complete reseed.
Want to receive one of our grass seed booklets in the post?
References
DEFRA, 2021. Agriculture in the UK Evidence Pack. [Online]
Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1027599/AUK-2020-evidencepack-21oct21.pdf
[Accessed 06 04 2022].