Reseeding
Reseeding is the practice of establishing a grass sward in a field.
Spring reseeding is normally done in March or April, while Autumn reseeding is normally done in August or September. Reseeding is not usually done earlier in the spring as the weather is likely to be too cold and wet. Because of the risk of drought during the summer months, reseeding is not usually done at that time. Reseeding in October is normally too late as there is not sufficient time to lightly graze the new sward before the winter months.
If the field was previously in grass, then the original grass plants should be killed off before any reseeding is done. This is established by spraying with a product such as Round-up or Gallup prior to work commencing. Also if the field was under another crop or fallow the previous autumn, if any grasses or weeds emerge in the spring, these should also be sprayed. Once the previous crop has been allowed sufficient time to die off as per the instructions on the herbicide, the field can then be cultivated.
The advantage of reseeding a grass sward
(i) Replacing poor varieties of grass with more productive types.
(ii) Allows Perennial Weeds to be destroyed using a product such as Round-up.
(iii) Levelling of the pasture can be done prior to seeding.
(iv) Opportunity to introduce Clover to a sward.
Factors that need to be taken into account when choosing a grass seed mixture
When selecting a grass seed mixture one needs to take into account what they intend to use the field for over the next ten years,i.e.
(i) 2 cuts of silage each year
(ii) 1 cut of silage & grazing
(iii) Only grazing with very occasional use for silage
Seeds are selected so as to suit the soil type. Only mixtures on the Departure of Agriculture recommended list should be used and only obtain seed from certified suppliers. It is advisable to use a mixture with some clover included as cover has a very good chance of getting established after reseeding.
Reseeding methods
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