Growing Grass

Jerry

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Devon
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

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Near Colchester
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.
 
Location
East Mids
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

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Devon
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.
 

SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

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Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

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As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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