'Stiching In' Could be the way forward

Stitching in is a very simple but effective way to rejuvenate old or damaged grass leys without the cost of a complete reseed. With increased yields and quality and no ploughing, and reduced time out of production, Stitching in could be the way forward for you.

Recent trial work has recorded results of increases in yield, over three tonnes of dry matter per hectare. Increases in D-value by around 2 points and higher crude protein; Metabolisable Energy; and sugar contents all from stitching in to an existing ley.

Timing is very important and the main aim is to minimize competition from the existing sward. The best time to over seed is in March, April, July or September as the grasses are not growing as vigorously as they are in May and June. Stitching in is also best suited after hard grazing or a close cutting.

Careful consideration needs to be given to the fields to be over-seeded. An open sward is needed. A thick old ‘feggy’ sward is going to be very hard to open out to allow the seeds to reach the soil. Good seed to soil contact is vital when ‘’stitching in’’

Remove all grass by cutting or tight grazing. Scarify in at least two directions using a wire tine grass harrow. After this If the sward is thin enough you will then be able to broadcast the seed on. It is then very important to tightly roll the field to get as much seed to soil contact as possible. It will also conserve moisture and flatten stones and mole-hills for silage ground.

This is best achieved by using a ring roller or treading in with sheep. ( but make sure the sheep come off after 7 – 10 days). Another alternative is to slot seed the seed into the soil but you must make sure not to drill to deep.

Tetraploid ryegrasses are recommended as they are a larger seed compared to Diploids. They are used because of there strong, competitive growth habits, and are thought to have a higher drought tolerance compared to Diploids.

Either sow at the same time or use your fertiliser spreader to apply the seed at 10 kg / acre. Choose the appropriate Wynnstay grass mix or speak to your representative or call Adam Simper at the seed office for advice on which mixture suits your needs.

You should leave the pasture for 5 – 6 weeks after sowing and then lightly graze. (Make sure the root system is strong enough to withstand grazing, especially sheep, and that the animals are not pulling up the leaf blade and the root from the ground). The following year you can carry on with normal grass land farming.

To get the best out of your ley make sure you check the PH of the soil and the Phosphate and potash levels. Apply lime if necessary to achieve 6.5 pH at a maximum of 5t/ha ( 2t/acre ), split dress if more is required, and ensure phosphate and Potash levels are above a soil index of 2.

The new seedlings should be well established before Nitrogen is applied, this is normally around 4 weeks after sowing, if fertiliser is applied before this only the old grasses will benefit and out compete the new ryegrass.

The same method can be used for applying clover to swards, however as clover is traditionally slower to establish we recommend you only sow clover in the summer or early autumn.