For part two of our conversation with Micheal O’Donovan and Tomas Tubritt, they talk us through the reseeding process step by step.

Micheal explains the starting point is to identify the paddock or farm area that you intend on reseeding. 

When considering the methods of reseeding, Tomas explains there is no difference between individual methods, but the common methods in Ireland include ploughing, minimum cultivation, discing and stitching in.

In terms of fertiliser strategy, Michael advises anyone who is ploughing to complete a soil test once the soil is inverted. Standard fertiliser is 3/4 bags of 10-10-20 and 2 tonne lime per acre. 

When selecting seed, Tomas explains farmers need to select on quality, seasonal growth (spring and autumn) and heading date within 3-5 days of each other. 

Tomas also mentioned a new trait that is being investigated as part of his PhD research is grazing efficiency. This trait tends to favour tetraploid varieties due to their nature of higher leaf area and digestibility. 

Micheal recommends spraying with post emergent spray when the paddock is at a cover of 200-300 kg DM/ha and grazing at s cover of 700-1000 kg DM/ha. 

He explains that getting in at this light cover might mean that stock will only get 2/3 hours grazing in the paddock. He advises that the paddock is hit again in 14-15 days time. This management will lead to a successful reseed encouraging active growth and tillering.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2017/Reseeding-booklet.pdf