Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Grassland Part 3 Sowing

Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Grassland – Part 3

Sowing Leys Direct Sowing � Best and most reliable way to obtain a ley. � The seedbed is prepared by ploughing and harrowing. � It should be very fine, finer than that for cereals. � Fertiliser should be broadcast and worked in during the final seedbed preparation. � The seed is sown using a combine drill, in lines 10 cm apart and 2 cm deep.

Sowing Leys - 2 � They may also be broadcast over the soil and covered over using a chain harrow. � The land should be rolled after sowing to improve seed – soil contact and better germination rates. � Spring sown leys should be sown before May 1 st due to the risk of drought. � Autumn sown leys should not be sown after Mid – September.

Sowing Leys - 3 Undersowing � Undersowing is used by farmers who employ tillage / grass rotations. � The grass seeds are grown with the tillage crop, usually a spring cereal. � Over the summer the two crops grow together and after harvesting, the grass takes over. � The land should be autumn ploughed and the seedbed prepared in the usual manner. � The grass is sown directly after the cereal (using a drill) and then the land is rolled.

Sowing Leys - 4 � Spring Barley is the most suitable “nurse crop” as the competition between the two crops is less due to short straw and early harvesting. � Lodging is a problem with this method, so N application should be lessened by 30%. � Tillage yields are reduced using this method also. � Undersowing grass with arable silage (oats / vetch) is good farming practice. � The silage is cut early and the grass has a good chance of establishing itself.

Sowing Leys - 5 Direct Drilling � This technique involves drilling seeds into unploughed ground. � The drilling machine cultivates a small strip of soil and sows the seed in it. � No problems occur if direct drilled into stubble. � But if direct drilling into grassland, problems and/or competition can occur.

Sowing Leys - 6 � The grassland should be grazed bare or mown and killed with a herbicide before direct drilling. � Slug pellets and fertiliser are added with the seed in order to help its establishment. � Direct drilling is most successful on shallow soils where ploughing is difficult.

Sowing Leys - 7 Stitching In � This system is almost the same as direct drilling, except the old sward is not killed. � The seed is drilled using a similar drill, along with slug pellets and fertiliser. � If the seeds establish themselves then they become the dominant species in the sward. � This system is not as predicable as direct drilling and the old sward can often win out.