Why you shouldn’t overlook an autumn reseed

After a summer of good grass growing weather, there is ample around and fields have been looking well, particularly after the previous few years of droughty summers. However, reseeding or even a rejuvenating overseed can be beneficial to grassland production. It’s not just about seeding areas that are poor, or putting a new field into grass, but managing the fields that are currently in production.  

Reseeding

Choosing to reseed in the autumn offers a lot of advantages. Despite the narrower window to get the seed in, the conditions can be better - a little moisture and the warmth left from the summer. It also gives the new ley time to settle over the winter without livestock, getting it off to a good start.  

A reseed should be considered if your grass ley has: 

  • Fallen in productivity – this isn’t just yield based, but if stock are not clearing fields, this will reduce productivity from the field.  

  • Increased levels of weeds or required species numbers have fallen.  

  • Poaching or soil compaction is causing problems 

It also gives the opportunity to:  

  • Add in clover or other species if desired 

  • Add in new genetics from new varieties  

  • Manage weed issues 

 

Adding in a break crop between reseeds is beneficial if pests are a potential problem. Using crops such as stubble turnips or kale will break up the pest cycle, and still offer a forage crop for grazing. 

 

Key benefits of a reseed 

  • Yields and quality will be improved 

  • Growing costs reduces – better uptake from applications, more yield from the same area etc.  

  • Poor pastures are rejuvenated  

 

Overseeding  

Overseeding offers a quicker, short term option to boost production. However, needs to be considered carefully as the seed will be competing against an existing ley. The more competitive species such as Westerwolds or Italian ryegrasses are useful as they have larger seeds. Similarly tetraploid varieties are also better at competing with the existing grass.  

Deciding if you need to overseed or reseed completely:  

Overseed v Reseeding grass.PNG

You can contact our seed team for more advice on your crops all year round! Call 01243 755620 or email seed@bartholomews.co.uk

Seed, AgronomyBartholomewsGrass, Seed, Autumn seeding, Reseed, Reseeding, Overseed