Grass10 advisor offers guidance for varied grass growth
Grass10 advisor Nikki Kennedy provides tailored advice for farmers coping with contrasting grass growth conditions across Ireland. While some regions enjoy favourable growth, others face drought challenges, prompting critical management of grazing, fodder budgeting, and fertiliser use.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
•
⏱️ 2 min read
With Ireland experiencing a clear divide in grass growth this season, Grass10 Advisor Nikki Kennedy highlights key strategies for farms in differing conditions. Western and northern counties have seen good growth, requiring careful grazing management to build autumn and winter covers. Adjusting grazing rotations to extend cover while accounting for natural growth declines in September is essential for these areas.
Conversely, farms in the south, east, and parts of the midlands continue to face drought impacts, making fodder budgeting crucial. Kennedy emphasises that relying on typical silage yields can mislead due to unusual conditions this year, such as higher yield but lower quality first cuts and delayed or absent second cuts. These irregularities affect the availability of high-quality fodder, so early planning for alternative sources is advised.
Regarding fertiliser application, Kennedy advises spreading only where soil moisture and grass growth allow, particularly avoiding nitrogen use in drought-affected soils until rainfall occurs. The natural nitrogen bank in soils will release nutrients once moisture returns, negating the need for extra chemical fertiliser and reducing risks like nitrate poisoning. Farmers should also consider slurry as a valuable nutrient source. For detailed advice and resources, the Grass10 campaign website offers further guidance tailored to these challenging conditions.
Conversely, farms in the south, east, and parts of the midlands continue to face drought impacts, making fodder budgeting crucial. Kennedy emphasises that relying on typical silage yields can mislead due to unusual conditions this year, such as higher yield but lower quality first cuts and delayed or absent second cuts. These irregularities affect the availability of high-quality fodder, so early planning for alternative sources is advised.
Regarding fertiliser application, Kennedy advises spreading only where soil moisture and grass growth allow, particularly avoiding nitrogen use in drought-affected soils until rainfall occurs. The natural nitrogen bank in soils will release nutrients once moisture returns, negating the need for extra chemical fertiliser and reducing risks like nitrate poisoning. Farmers should also consider slurry as a valuable nutrient source. For detailed advice and resources, the Grass10 campaign website offers further guidance tailored to these challenging conditions.
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