Effective methods of Grassland Drilling

Method 1

Where a last cut of silage is being taken, and the field is going to grazing and not recut, cut low to the ground and direct drill the new grass seed mixture as soon as possible. The idea is their should be enough moisture retained in the soil to germinate the seed and get it growing before the cut sward can fully recover. Graze with young stock or sheep about 3 to 4 weeks later in order to keep the existing sward down, allowing the new seedling enough moisture and light to get established.

Method 2

Graze the sward bare using a Mob stocking technique. Drill the sward, and keep the stock on until the new shoots are visible, remove the stock and regraze 3 to 4 weeks later, once again, to keep the old grass down, and prevent it choking out the new grass.

Method 3

If the pasture has been badly poached or there are bad patches due to frost kill etc. over the winter, new grass seeds should be drilled just before growth starts (March/April).

Method 4

Where the old pasture is very weedy and a complete reseed is required, spray with Roundup (pre or post harvest) to get a total kill of all vegetation. Leave the field for the recommended period, and direct drill with a new seeds mixture. Our own preference is to cut the silage, wait 5/7 days, drill it, then spray it off 5/7 days later.  By this time, there is 10-14 days regrowth to absorb the roundup, and the seeds wont have germinated before the roundup is applied.   Obviously care must be taken in ideal moist warm conditions, that the seed does not germinate quicker than 5-7 days.

We like this metod, as there will be a more complete kill of, of the old sward than with a pre harvest application, and no sprayer wheelings left, which tend not to mow cleanly, leaving wheelings in the subsequent crop.

Method 5

Following a good tight grazing, spread the dung pats with a harrow or roller, drill, and spray off with glyphosate 5-7 days later