THE importance of good grassland management for horses is often underestimated. In relation to the management of horses, grassland fulfils a number of roles including providing a food source, an exercise area and somewhere to express their normal behaviour with other horses.

Time of the year, weather conditions and soil type will dictate the grassland management activities required to maintain grassland in optimum condition.

At this time of year plans can be put in place as to how the paddocks are going to be utilised for maximum benefit.

Extreme inclement weather conditions can cause problems for those hoping to use the paddocks. Grazing horses during periods of heavy rain or on ground that has limited drainage can result in poaching and compaction. This can have a severe impact on subsequent grass yields and quality.

Poached ground will also encourage weeds to grow. Care will need to be taken to avoid damage to the ground during these times by using an alternative paddock or an all-weather area if available. Land with high clay content can be more difficult to manage during these wet periods.

Soil compaction does not allow the grass roots to penetrate the soil. It impedes drainage, reduces grass growth and produces a very hard surface for the horses. Soil compaction can be resolved using various aerating machines in the spring or autumn.

The choice of machinery depends on the depth of compaction. Deep compaction can be removed by using a shakeaerator, subsoiler or a paraplough. Ground conditions must be good before use, otherwise compaction with be exacerbated.

SOIL NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT

Soil nutrition is important for horses, as grass growth will be impeded without the correct level of nitrogen (N), phosphorus and potassium. If these nutrients are at a low level or the soil is too acidic, grass growth will be poor.

In order to determine the nutrient status of your paddock a soil sample can be taken and sent off for analysis. The soil analysis report can then be used to make an accurate decision regarding application of fertiliser in the paddocks.

The ideal time to take a soil sample is usually between November and February, ensuring sufficient time has passed from the last application of fertiliser, so that the results will not be influenced by the recent application of nutrients.

The nutrient target levels for equine paddocks are similar to those for other managed areas of grassland - phosphorus index 2, potassium index 2- and a pH 6.0-6.5. To avoid too much rich grass, only small amounts of nitrogen fertiliser should be applied at any application. Weeds are often associated with paddocks that have a low pH or low phosphorus or potassium status.

FERTILISER APPLICATION

Fertiliser application will usually take place when the weather improves and the soil temperature increases. For grass to grow, the soil temperature at a depth of approximately 10cm should be at least 60 degrees Celsius for approximately five consecutive days.

The timing of fertiliser application will be dictated by the soil temperature, ground conditions and when the paddock is required for grazing.

For grazing, a yearly total of 50Kg Nitrogen/Ha should be applied with no more than 20 -25Kg N/Ha per application.

The level of phosphorus and potassium application will depend on the current nutrient levels recorded in your soil analysis report. Typically a soil with a Phosphorus or Potassium index two will require 20Kg/ha of each nutrient.

If your soil pH is much less than 6.0 then it is essential that this is corrected, otherwise grass growth is restricted and fertiliser applications will be less effective. Acidity in soil reduces bacterial and earthworm activity as well as nutrient uptake.

How much lime to apply depends on soil type and the liming products being applied. Correcting the pH can take months, and on very acidic soil may not be fully corrected in one year. Avoid applying too much lime as this can have the opposite effect than that which is desired. Soil samples should be taken every four years to determine changes in soil fertility.

WEED CONTROL

Poor management of paddocks can lead to the growth of unproductive and harmful weeds.

Weeds are able to grow well during periods of wet weather, while grass doesn’t grow as well. Bare patches in the soil or poached ground coupled with poor grass growing conditions provides the ideal conditions for weeds to excel.

Weed control is a very important aspect of grassland management. Failure to control weeds can render pastures unsuitable for grazing and conserving crops as high levels of weeds in pastures not only reduce the pasture’s grass feed value, but in some cases restrict grazing areas and reduces grass growth. Some of weeds can be poisonous to grazing livestock.

Grassland management practices such as drainage, soil fertility, appropriate grazing strategies and topping are very important when it comes to controlling weeds. All of these encourage the grassland to be more competitive and to dominate the weeds.

For the chemical control of weeds it is important that the correct herbicide is used. Herbicides should only be applied by a qualified and competent operator.

It is important to read the manufacturer label to ensure that the correct dilution rate, dosage and timing of application are used to optimise the effect of the herbicide.

Typically to control weeds, they should have good leaf cover and are actively growing (approximately 8cm in height). Care should be taken to keep livestock off the treated area until the weeds have withered away or have been removed.

This is particularly important when treating ragwort, as it tends to become more palatable to livestock when dead, yet still retains its poisonous capabilities.

A well managed grassland paddock provides a consistent, leafy and palatable sward free from harmful weeds, supplying essential nutrients as part of a balanced diet.