If you are considering a new ley on dry or drought prone soil, then cocksfoot is the grass you should turn to. Considered by some to be unpalatable and coarse, others know it to be the only agricultural grass that reliably produces when sown on dry land which, when properly managed, makes an ...

To achieve the best possible results from short term, grass-based leys sown in the spring the leys need to be a mix containing fast growing annuals and short term species like westerwolds ryegrass, crimson and red clover and vetch.   Sow early in the Spring into a well ...

March is the time of year when many farmers start thinking about over-seeding tired or worn leys with grass and/or clover. This is an excellent - and economical - way of boosting forage yields. However, do not be tempted to add N fertiliser when over-seeding as this will promote too much ...

Nitrogen, in the form of nitrate, is the most important nutrient for high yields grass. To ensure its effectiveness levels of other key elements - phosphate, potash and calcium - must be correct and sufficient rainfall is essential to ensure N uptake. The best time to apply N to grass is just ...

Growing arable crops continuously can have a serious impact on soil condition. In these circumstances soil can lose structure and organic matter, becoming more compact and harder to cultivate. Clays run together and sands can literally blow away. Perhaps most serious of all, its potential to ...