New sown leys

Reseeding as an important part of grassland management

Reseeding is an important part of grassland management, and is essential for maintaining productive grassland.

Average costs for a reseed are between €400-€700 per hectare, so it is important to do it correctly.

When to reseed - autumn or spring?

There are two key timings to look at establishing grass - autumn (August to October) and spring (March to May), with autumn being the most common time to reseed. Successful establishment can be achieved at either timing, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each time of year.

Weed control in new sown leys

The key to successful establishment of a new ley is of course ensuring a good seedbed and adequate pH and nutrient availability, and choosing a suitable variety, but once the grass is sown, keeping weeds out becomes equally important. Early competition from vigorous weeds such as chickweed and mayweed can rapidly reduce the growth of grass and leave new leys ‘gappy’ and unproductive. An uneven grass ley can take a considerable time to become fully productive.

Tackling grassland weeds early, at establishment of a new grass ley, will help improve sward palatability, productivity and reduce costs. As any form of soil cultivation will disturb the weed seedbank and encourage germination of weed seeds, it is important to check new leys regularly for weed infestations.

The most common weed issues after reseeding are chickweed, docks and thistles. However, a wide range of perennial and annual weeds will take advantage of warm temperatures and a moist seedbed to germinate, including mayweed, shepherds purse, annual meadow grass, red shank and pansy. Weed seedlings are more susceptible to herbicides than mature plants and are cheaper and easier to control at this stage.

Many grassland herbicide products dictate that grass should be ’established’, i.e. over a year old at the time of treatment. However, Corteva Agriscience has two selective herbicides for use in new sown leys – Pastor® Trio and Envy™ for application from as early as when three grass leaves have appeared.

Pastor® Trio can be applied to new sown leys at 1.0 L/ha from 1st February to 31st August, and so is suitable for use on spring established new sown leys. Envy™ can be applied to new sown leys at 1.5 L/ha from 1st February to 30th November and so can be used on both autumn and spring established new sown leys.

Pastor® Trio and Envy™ are not safe to clover, but clover can be stitched in 3 months after application.