Sward Improvement in County Armagh
Michael Garvey, Dairying Development Adviser
There was a good turnout of farmers at the recent CAFRE Sward Improvement short course on the farm of Joe McCarragher, Armagh.
Joe is a Focus Farmer who excels in grass sward improvement. He demonstrated his method for overseeding – following tight grazing with sheep a vigorous grass seed was sown with a Shelbourne tyne harrow into the existing sward (with plenty of soil visible). Subsequent light grazing with sheep reduces the competition from the existing sward until the new grass was well established.
In discussion with Alan Hopps, AFBI Loughgall’s David Johnston outlined a number of relevant issues at reseeding: -
- What farmers do wrong most often when reseeding?
It was David’s experience that most failed reseeds were the result of a seed bed that was not firm enough. David recommended using a light roller before sowing and using a Cambridge roller after sowing to increase soil / seed contact when completed a full reseed. - What varieties work particularly well in a grazing sward / make the best silage cut in an intensive system?
David advised that the varieties in the 2010/11 Grass and Clover Recommended list will result in significant yield increases when compared to existing grass swards. However he stressed the importance of choosing varieties that compliment each other and that fit into the existing system on the farm.
Local adviser Michael Garvey highlighted the increased importance of soil aeration in reducing soil compaction in grassland. Several sub soilers were demonstrated to show the increasingly important role they play in modern reseeding.
Michael Garvey outlining overseeding techniques to dairy farmers at Joe McCarragher’s farm
