Warwickshire Rural Hub Grassland Group

The Hub launched the first meeting of the Grassland Group with a talk by agronomist Simon Draper. The talk included grassland compaction which is one of the major causes of run-off leading to localised flooding issues. Grassland compaction can cause up to 30% yield losses which could be alleviated through the correct use of subsoilers and aerators.

This was followed up with an on-farm practical event titled Improving Grassland Yields - What Can You Practically Do? (Sponsored by the Environment Agency).

This practical farming event, held at Mill Farm, Ashorne on how to improve your grass yields by Grassland expert Simon Draper included:

Identify what the problems are and why they are limiting grass growth
How to choose correct machinery to effect change
How to set the machinery up
How to decide when the ground is too wet or too dry
See the machinery inaction AND determine if it is working to achieve the end required
Identify WHEN it’s time to give up and think about re-seeding
Determine correct fertiliser and manure use
How to determine the correct application rate of manures and slurries

The next event will be a Grassland Management Practical that will cover various aspects of grassland management and soil structure. This will include looking at slurry spreading, including the calculations, and fertiliser spread, nutrient requirements and cost savings.

Further details and date to be confirmed.

For further information please contact the Hub Office carrie@rase.org.uk or 02476 858 242