Cotswold Grass Seeds - Organic Overseeding - improving old or damaged leys

Simple & Effective
A very good way to improve old or damaged leys without re-seeding is to over-seed with ryegrass or clover mixtures. White clover in pasture is essential for production. It has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and is also a good source of protein. To increase or introduce white clover levels, seed can be sown into existing pasture without the need to plough and re-seed. Dramatic increases in yield and quality can be achieved at modest cost.

Timing
The main factor governing success is correct timing. Excellent results can be obtained from sowing when the existing grass has been recently cut or grazed. In our experience it is best to avoid sowing during May when grass growth is at its peak. The level of competition at this stage overwhelms the new seedlings. Other than this seed may be sown from March through until September provided there is sufficient moisture available and the sward is open. When over-seeding with ryegrass it is best to use tetraploid varieties as these are more aggressive and better able to tolerate competition. There appears to be less variation with clover varieties.

Sward Management
Before sowing, the sward must be cut or grazed tightly. Seed should then be broadcast onto the soil surface and either lightly harrowed and rolled or stocked heavily with sheep or cattle. Drilling is possible, and often easier as the sowing rates of clover in particular are low, but keep the drills just on the surface as deep sowing will result in failure. After sowing, the sward is best left for three or four weeks to allow the seedlings to grow. Do not let the existing grass overtake and shade the new seedlings. It is best to lightly graze initially to remove grass competition. Bulking up for silage or hay should be avoided in the year of sowing.

Red Clover
Although not common practice red clover can be oversown at 3 kg per acre. The same establishment rules apply for both red and white clovers. Cost £22.80 per acre (65% organic). NB. This method of pasture improvement is for open or damaged leys. If swards are dense then a full re-seed should be contemplated.

10.00 kg per acre £34.49 (25 kg/ha £86.23)

6.50 kg certified GORDO ORGANIC Italian ryegrass
3.50 kg certified ABERECHO tetraploid hybrid ryegrass

Ref. OSORG 65% ORGANIC
Ideal for the short term improvement of silage leys. The mixture is very competitive and provides good early spring growth. First cut silage is usually taken between the second and third weeks of May. Red clover can be added to this mixture at a cost of £7.60 per kg.

Ryegrass Over-Seeding
Short Term 2-3 Years

2.00 kg per acre £15.64 (5 kg/ha £39.10)

0.80 kg certified ABERPEARL white clover
0.80 kg certified ABERHERALD white clover
0.40 kg certified S184 wild white clover

Ref. MIXOSC NON ORGANIC
The introduction of white clover into a sward, with its high protein content, is of great benefit to the grazing animal. This mixture combines the best strains which, once established, should persist well.

White Clover Over-Seeding
Long Term

10.00 kg per acre £45.98 (25 kg/ha £114.95)

2.50 kg certified ABEREXCEL tet. hybrid ryegrass
6.50 kg certified TIVOLI ORGANIC tet. per. ryegrass
0.40 kg certified ABERPEARL white clover
0.40 kg certified ABERHERALD white clover
0.20 kg certified S184 wild white clover

Ref. MIXOSLCORG 65% ORGANIC
A combination of ryegrasses and a half rate of persistent clovers this mixture can be grazed by sheep or cattle and can be cut for silage.

Ryegrass/Clover Over-Seeding Longer Term 4-5 Years Long Term Grazing