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Print this PageTop Tips for Grassland Management
1. Soil testing
A healthy, high productive sward depends on a healthy soil. A complete soil test, looking at pH,phosphate and potash should be carried out on each field on a 4 yearly cycle.
2. Lime and fertiliser
The average pH of UK grassland is approximately 5.5. Lifting the pH to 6.0 will increase nutrient availability from the soil, slurry and bagged fertilisers by approximately 25%. The higher lime level will also increase palatability and clover content in the sward. Careful use of slurry and bagged fertilisers is essential. 35 F.A.C.T.S. qualified advisers are available from Mole Valley Forage Services to help dairy farmers produce quality grass for their individual systems.
3. Sward assessment
After assessing the soil it makes sense to assess the sward. If there is less than 50% perennial ryegrass in the sward, a total new reseed may be the option.The assessment may show some fields could be improved by overseeding or are in need of weed control.
4. Reseeding programme
Where the farm is growing arable crops, a rotation involving regularly reseeding grass is relatively easy. However, on most dairy units the grass may be more permanent. For help, please ask for a Mole Valley Farmers Premier Leys Catalogue. This booklet includes sections on the 10 benefits of reseeding and a 10 point plan for establishing a new ley.
5. Clover establishment
Up to 100 units / acre of nitrogen can be fixed by a sward with 20% to 30% clover composition. Varieties are categorised by leaf size. Medium leafed varieties are most suited for dairy grazing, whilst large leaf varieties for silage management.
6. Overseeding
Old pasture and leys that have become thin in the bottom can be rejuvenated by either broadcasting seed on to them or slot seeding.
7. Weed control in grassland There are two main areas of weed control.
- In the establishment phase of a new ley. Chickweed, seedling docks and thistles can drastically reduce the percentage of sown species which establish and will usually require chemical treatment.
- In established grassland, docks, thistles, dandelions, buttercups and plaintain can make up a high percentage of a sward. Mole Valley Farmers have B.A.S.I.S. qualified agronomists who can advise on all aspects of reseeding and weed control.
8. Grazing management
Once a farmer has established the soil nutrition and sward composition is good, grazing management is the key to realising the potential of the grass. The skill is to ensure a plentiful supply of grass for the entire grazing system of equal nutritional quality and not allowing surplus grass to go under utilised. Grass should be grazed at approximately 75 D-value when the grass is about 4 inches (10cm) high. Long, stemmy grass will reduce intakes and result in a rapid drop in feed value.
9. Silage management
A plan at the start of the year is key to ensuring that enough silage of the right feed value is produced. A 67 to 72 D-value silage with an ME of 10.8 to 11.5 should be the aim. If grazing land produces too much grass at periods of rapid growth in favourable seasons then surplus grass should be taken as big-bale silage to avoid the down sides of under utilised grazed grass. A proven additive onsilage grass for heifer production should be considered. Both the MVF and Ecosyl range of silage additives have scientific trials demonstrating a financial benefit over untreated silage.
10. The limitations of grass - correct supplementation
The heifer rearer must be aware of the limitations of grass to reach the desired levels of animal performance. Mole Valley Feed Solutions have specialist feed and mineral nutritionists who can offer advice on supplementation during the grazing and housed periods.
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