The pleasant and warmer weather experienced during the first half of April finally brought about a welcome increase in grass growth, largely in line with the five-year average for this time of year.
Many paddocks identified for reseeding were sprayer, harrowed and sown at the start of April, with many more earmarked for the coming weeks. As Teagasc has noted, reseeding increases the farm’s overall productivity and allows higher animal output per hectare relative to permanent pasture.
The benefits of reseeding are well established since it represents the fastest on-farm investment return. Reseeding also helps farms to increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) by minimising nitrogen losses to water. It also improves yield and quality and helps to reduce the requirement to buy feed.
However, it’s worth re-emphasising several other benefits that arise from reseeding. Research indicates that new leys, when compared to older permanent pasture:
- Are 25% more responsive to applied Nitrogen;
- Results in more available grass in the shoulders of the season;
- Results in faster re-growths and
- Increases total annual production /ha.
Teagasc estimates that a low portion of perennial ryegrass in the sward is costing the average dairy farm up to €300/ha in lost grass production during the growing season.
When planning a reseed, the largest gains will be made by replacing the oldest/least productive swards e.g., your paddocks with the least number of grazings last year.
Where reseeding or sward rejuvenation occurs, clover inclusions cannot be overlooked for obvious reasons due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities. Soil fertility must be centric to the reseeding protocol, especially where we want a successful clover establishment (alongside good management practices in the first 12 months).
Over-sowing clover on grazing paddocks can work well – while the best opportunity to incorporate clover into a sward is always at the point of reseeding.
For further advice, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor.