An important event to allow farmers learn how to improve their soil and swards, will be held at CAFRE’S Enniskillen Campus on July5 2013.

Albert Johnston, Senior Grassland Technologist at CAFRE, said that following the difficult weather conditions so far this year and throughout 2012, both livestock and cereal farmers are now looking for options as to how to repair soil structure and improve crop performance.

To help address these issues CAFRE are organising two events ‘Improving Soil and Sward Performance’ on July 3 at Greenmount Campus, Antrim and the second on July 5 at Enniskillen Campus. Both events will run from 10am to 7 pm.

Seminars and field demonstrations will be held at regular intervals on both days and they will focus on key issues relating to soil compaction, field drainage and reseeding.

Soil compaction is an issue on many farms at present and there are a range of machines that can be used to alleviate the problem. Demonstrations at the events will focus on the importance of checking the soil profile to identify firstly if there is a problem and secondly where there is a problem, identifying the depth of the compacted layer. This is key information in deciding how to correct the problem. Methods of preventing soil compaction will also be highlighted.

The maintenance and the installation of drainage systems on farms has been neglected for many years. Speakers at the events will focus on how existing drains can be repaired and maintained to improve their effectiveness and also the options and costs of carrying out new drainage work.

If soil compaction and drainage issues can be addressed the next step is to improve the quality of the grass sward. At the events, CAFRE Development Advisers will be speaking on the various methods and sprays that can be used to control weeds and will discuss the costs of reseeding.

There will be trade stands at both of these events and we welcome interest from trade exhibitors who supply goods and services directly related to soil and sward improvement.

For further information on this event or if you would like to exhibit equipment or a service relating to these topics, please contact Janine Small at Greenmount Campus, Antrim on 028 9442 6843 as soon as possible for an information pack.

(Source: The Impartial Reporter – Published 06/06/2013)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Improving Soil Structure and Sward Quality

How and when to rectify the problem of damaged soils and swards are questions that will be addressed at two CAFRE  ‘Improving soil and sward performance’ events to be held on the 3rd and 5th July at Greenmount Campus, Antrim and Enniskillen Campus respectively.

Is Compaction a Problem?

Water lying on the soil surface for a prolonged period can be an indication that soil structure has been damaged leading to soil compaction. This can only be properly diagnosed by digging an inspection pit in the field approximately 50 cm square and at least 40 cm deep. This will allow you to see the extent of the problem.

Compacted soils will have:

A blocky structure that is hard to break up.

Signs of shallow roots growing horizontally

Very few or no earth worms present

A bad smell due to anaerobic conditions.

A grey colour with brown mottling.

Rectifying Compaction

There are many different machines on the market to rectify soil compaction from soil aerators to grassland sub-soilers. Sub-soilers work by lifting and loosening the soil. There is a critical depth at which a sub-soiler should be used, usually between topsoil and subsoil layers. Use of the implement below this critical depth will do more harm by causing further compaction. Soil aerators work from the surface down rather than the sub-surface up. Essentially these devices push a blade into the ground increasing air and water entry into the soil.

When to Rectify the Compaction Problem?

Soil conditions need to be dry to carry out subsoiling or soil aeration work. If carried out during wet conditions, the problem may be made worse. A period in mid to late summer is the ideal time to carry out this work as it improves drainage and will help reduce the risk of water logging during the winter months. It is also important to do this work before reseeding or “stitching in” grass seed as there is no point putting new seeds into compacted soils as the compaction hinders grass growth rates.

 

Benefits

The benefits of repairing compacted soils are:

Reduced risk of water logging and poaching thus reducing the opportunity for weeds species to ingress into swards.

Better seed germination in newly reseeded swards.

Better response to fertiliser.

Better absorption of slurry.

It should be noted that soil compaction is not the only reason for poor production in grass swards. Soil pH and nutrient levels are also very important. Regular soil analysis will help to identify these problems. Reseeding older swards will also help to increase grass production and quality where ryegrass content has deteriorated.

(Source – Farming Life.com – Published on 17/06/2013)