yard, stable & paddock
Logic LPH200 Pro-Harrow being towed, with an EBC-TFL80 Eletro- Broadcaster mounted on the ATV rear carrier to spread grass seeds
Q – What’s the most cost effective way to re-seed a fairly dry field? We bought a parcel of additional land last autumn – it’s about seven acres in total and grazed it with sheep over the winter, then sprayed the weeds in May, which has done a good job, but the grass is very sparse and there are some bare patches where there were lots of weeds. It really just needs over seeding, but the size of the job isn’t of interest to agricultural contractors so do you suggest we go about it?
Answer - The most cost effective way would be to do it yourself with an ATV, UTV or similar and a selection of suitable equipment, eg a Harrow, Broadcaster and Roller. If you have a dry field the best time to re-seed would be in the spring when the soil is at its most moist, giving the seed the best chance to germinate and thrive. I would recommend choosing the driest part of the field to start with and if you require the area for grazing at the same time, consider over-seeding the drier half and fencing it off with a temporary electric fence to control livestock grazing.
The area should be harrowed with a suitable type to really make a mark. A Logic Pro- harrow or Super Harrow which features spring tines would be perfect for the job, towed by any suitable vehicle and after a few passes there should be enough tilth to broadcast a suitable grass seed mixture onto. Take advice on the seed you sow, but in dry conditions a ryegrass mixture would be a good choice – due to their deep root systems, along with some timothy and fescue for a more palatable horse type sward. The seed could be spread with a Logic EBC Electro-Broadcaster mounted on the same vehicle or similar, powered by the host
www.theequinesite.co.uk
vehicle electrical system. For best results it is always wise to split the seed rate and go over the area twice with the second pass at ninety degrees to the first pass and choose a non-windy day for the work. The Broadcaster could also be used to spread a small quantity of fertiliser to boost the soil nutrients and invigorate the germinating plants. The area should be rolled to ensure the ground is consolidated and the seed is in contact with the soil. Again the best piece of equipment would be a Logic Ballast Roller, which can be adjusted for weight to suit the conditions. Livestock should be kept off the area if possible to allow the young plants to get established. When the new grass is about 50-70mm tall the area should be grazed with the sheep you mention. This will result in the ground about the plants being ‘trodden in’ to help with establishment and because the shoots are grazed off will encourage ‘tillering,’ producing more shoots and much stronger plants. Be careful not to overgraze with the sheep and remove them before they eat the grass down to the ground. This will allow the grass to re- establish and when growth is back to 75mm the area could be opened up to general grazing with your horses. Top dressing with a balanced fertiliser will give the new sward the best chance of establishment and to cope with the dry conditions. The half not over-seeded can be treated the same way in late summer, or left to the following spring to ensure there is enough moisture in the soil to repeat the process.
See the Logic website - www.
logictoday.co.uk - for more details and prices. If you cannot hire this equipment locally, consider share purchasing a selection of products with similar minded friends and neighbours.
Equine Page 43
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