Growing Grass

Jerry · Mar 12, 2014

I am taking back in hand 60 acres of grass land that has been rented out for a number of years.

It is in an arable to grassland reversion scheme under an HLS scheme that has a couple of years to run. As such it is not a new ley and is a species rich sward with only a little clover in it.

It can't be grazed over winter and has been used for haylage production in recent years. Lots going to a local big stable. Typically 2 cuts a year though it has stretched to 3 in some years. Quality seems fine given the repeated demand for it.

Soil is light mainly red sandstone based but a decent depth. Can burn up if we get it very hot. Soil indices and pH is fine and nothing to worry about

I am not up to speed on Fert requirements for grass.

I am guessing something generic like 20:10:10 now to kick it of but at what Kg/Ha?

Then after first cut something to replace the carried of K I am guessing. Something like Kaynitro Sulphur N:K:S?? Again how much is needed?

Thanks in advance.

Pan mixer · Mar 12, 2014

Jerry said:
I am taking back in hand 60 acres of grass land that has been rented out for a number of years.

It is in an arable to grassland reversion scheme under an HLS scheme that has a couple of years to run. As such it is not a new ley and is a species rich sward with only a little clover in it.

It can't be grazed over winter and has been used for haylage production in recent years. Lots going to a local big stable. Typically 2 cuts a year though it has stretched to 3 in some years. Quality seems fine given the repeated demand for it.

Soil is light mainly red sandstone based but a decent depth. Can burn up if we get it very hot. Soil indices and pH is fine and nothing to worry about

I am not up to speed on Fert requirements for grass.

I am guessing something generic like 20:10:10 now to kick it of but at what Kg/Ha?

Then after first cut something to replace the carried of K I am guessing. Something like Kaynitro Sulphur N:K:S?? Again how much is needed?

Thanks in advance.

If the indices are OK why bother with the P and K etc?

80kgN/ha (about 100 units per acre first cut in two doses, one (small half) soonest, the other 4 weeks later.

Monitor the P,K,Mg,pH etc. next year to see what happens to it, if their levels crash, do something about it.

After a year or two you will be able to work out fert requirements more accurately. Lots of money is wasted by blanket treatment.

stuart · Mar 12, 2014

100kg acre now of nitram and then 20.5.15 after cut at 100kg acre is what we put on for hay

Princess Pooper · Mar 12, 2014

Jerry said:
I am taking back in hand 60 acres of grass land that has been rented out for a number of years.

It is in an arable to grassland reversion scheme under an HLS scheme that has a couple of years to run. As such it is not a new ley and is a species rich sward with only a little clover in it.

It can't be grazed over winter and has been used for haylage production in recent years. Lots going to a local big stable. Typically 2 cuts a year though it has stretched to 3 in some years. Quality seems fine given the repeated demand for it.

Soil is light mainly red sandstone based but a decent depth. Can burn up if we get it very hot. Soil indices and pH is fine and nothing to worry about

I am not up to speed on Fert requirements for grass.

I am guessing something generic like 20:10:10 now to kick it of but at what Kg/Ha?

Then after first cut something to replace the carried of K I am guessing. Something like Kaynitro Sulphur N:K:S?? Again how much is needed?

Thanks in advance.

I'm surprised you are allowed to put artificial on it in HLS

Jerry · Mar 12, 2014

Princess Pooper said:
I'm surprised you are allowed to put artificial on it in HLS

Sorry. Meant to ELS. Been reading too much about our HLS options the last few days and got it on the brain!

Jerry · Mar 12, 2014

stuart said:
100kg acre now of nitram and then 20.5.15 after cut at 100kg acre is what we put on for hay

Is that 100kg per acre of product or N?

multi power · Mar 12, 2014

you cant just put on nitrogen, assuming no muck or grazing 20 10 10 will be fine, around 150kg/acre

Jerry · Mar 12, 2014

Pan mixer said:
If the indices are OK why bother with the P and K etc?

I see your point and generally agree with not blanket treating. There will be carry of of K though and on our soil that is always a concern. Hence thinking a drop each year will help maintain it.

We will be soil testing before next year to fine tune.

stuart · Mar 12, 2014

Jerry said:
Is that 100kg per acre of product or N?

of product plus what slurry we put on

Growing Grass

Jerry

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Pan mixer

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stuart

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Princess Pooper

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Jerry

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Jerry

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multi power

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Jerry

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stuart

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SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

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