Overseeding and reseeding
The aim of overseeding and reseeding is to increase the number of grass plants present in a sward, and potentially alter the species profile to better suit the needs of the horses grazing the pastures.
The two best months in the year to attempt overseeding and reseeding are generally April and August, but with a summer like we’ve just had, it’s best to wait until there is sufficient soil moisture or imminent rainfall.
A reseed involving ploughing is usually the best method to establish grass, but it does means that a paddock will be out of use until a sward is fully established. It will also leave the soil susceptible to damage until the soil structure recovers and is able to bear the weight of animals.
Over-seeding into an existing sward - using various types of drill - avoids the need for ploughing. However it is a bit more tricky and can easily fail so attention to detail is paramount.
The main points for successful over-seeding are:
- Ensure soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium levels are close to or at target. Test if you are unsure.
- Ensure that any soil compaction is dealt with, ideally immediately pre-drilling to avoid an uneven surface.
- Deal with weeds by cultural or herbicide control.
- Minimise competition from the existing sward, e.g. graze tight, cut tight, or glyphosate spray (great care needed) prior to drilling.
- Harrow to break a matted sward to leave an open sward with soil visible.
- Choose the correct drill for soil type encountered, e.g. legged-coulter or disc drill for clay soils or tine drills for lighter soils. Seed to soil contact and an open sward to allow light to reach the soil are vital.
- Use a seed mixture of preferred species suited to the situation.
- Consider adding slug pellets to the seed in the drill or apply subsequently.
- Roll if necessary, but don’t close slots left by the drill.
- Keep an eye on post-drilling and control emerging annual weeds.
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