GETTING out early to graze grass was a challenge in 2017 with a lot of on/off grazing early in spring. Paddocks got a hammering in early spring and in a lot of cases have recovered well – however not all paddocks will cope with heavy grazing on wet soils. There is no doubt that grazing some paddocks early will reduce the yield potential of that paddock. However, many farmers are reluctant to take a paddock out for a full reseed. Overseeding has always been an economical way to improve both the perennial ryegrass content and tetraploids content of swards, where reseeding is not fully warranted. Overseeding is the planting of grass seed directly into existing turf, without tearing up the turf, or the soil. It’s an easy way to fill in bare spots, improve the density of turf and establish improved grass varieties.

Overseeding is an excellent way to improve grassland that may have been damaged by poaching, has gone thin, but is still perennial ryegrass dominated.

DIFFICULTIES

Overseeding will not solve problems such as invasive weeds or wild grasses like annual Meadow Grass, Scutch or Bentgrass. The greatest difficulty with overseeding is trying to establish new grass seedlings in an already competitive sward. DLF have come up with a novel way of aiding this process with Nitrogen coated grass seeds called ProNitro. The Nitrogen seed dressing will feed only the planted seeds and not the existing grass or weeds, allowing the newly planted seeds to establish fast.

Trials are showing treated seeds to produce 200% more fresh weight than untreated seed three weeks after sowing. Overseeding is already an economical way to improve grassland; Teagasc estimates the cost of reseeding at €280/acre (€700/ha), whereas overseeding can be carried out for less than €100/acre.

ProNitro offers better seed to soil contact through larger seeds (coated), allowing for higher germination, seedling survival rates and targeted nitrogen for the emerging seedlings. Although overseeding is already a sensible and cost effective way to improve grass yields and quality for grazing and silage swards, using ProNitro coated seed will allow for faster establishment and better seedling survival rates.

More information on ProNitro treated seeds can be obtained from Paul Flanagan on info@dlfseeds.ie

Overseeding: Top tips

1. Assess the field for weeds and grass species content.

2. Timing is essential. After the last cut or hard grazing in the late summer or autumn is best.

3. Use the correct drilling method. For younger open swards a scarifying rake, for denser swards a disc drill.

4. Cross drilling can improve ground cover.

5. Roll after drilling for good seed to soil contact. Use a Cambridge roll if possible.

6. Be aware of Fritfly and Leather Jacket attack (consult your agronomist)

7. Stock can continue to graze up to seedling emergence. Then allow establishment.