2021 Autumn Seed Catalogue

34 GRASSLAND Well managed grassland is the backbone of most livestock businesses and crucial to profitability. Pearce Seeds offer the full range of agronomy services to maintain and improve pastures. • Soil Testing • Forage Seed Advice • Field Walking with Agrochemical Advice NEW LEYS The key to successful establishment of a new ley is to ensure a good seedbed, soil sampling to correct pH and nutrient availability and the right selection of suitable varieties. Once the grass is sown keeping weeds out becomes equally important. Early competition from vigorous weeds can rapidly reduce the growth of grass and leave new leys unproductive and with gaps. Tackling grassland weeds early, at establishment of a new grass ley, will help improve sward palatability, productivity and reduce costs. It is important to check new leys regularly for weed infestations. The most common weed issues after reseeding are Chickweed, Docks, Thistles and Buttercups. However, a wide range of perennial and annual weeds will take advantage of warm temperatures and moist seedbeds to germinate. Weed seedlings are more susceptible to herbicides than mature plants and are cheaper and easier to control at this stage. Reseeding is an opportunity to drastically improve the quality and quantity of grass on the farm which may not happen for many more years, so it is worth spending time to do it right. ESTABLISHED LEYS It is essential to monitor your grassland carefully throughout the year for established or germinating weeds. Seedling Docks can often germinate in autumn undetected and become a big problem the following spring. Established weeds which have been cut, such as Docks and Nettles, and allowed to regrow can be well controlled throughout the summer and autumn providing they are actively growing and there is an adequate amount of foliage present. Any weeds which have flowered and are dying off such as Thistles, Docks or Nettles will not be controlled. Permanent grassland will succumb to patches of Docks, Nettles, Thistles and other weeds over time reducing grazing area and quality of silage and hay. Weed infestation will reduce palatability which results in selective grazing and accelerates sward degeneration. Weeds poisonous to livestock such as Ragwort represent a major threat. To ensure a proactive herbicide strategy for all crops, Pearce Seeds will advise the best options and timings and guide you on the implementation of effective and robust programmes. • Lime Spreading • F ertiliser Selection