Be Prepared for Better Silage this Summer

The following article is from Farmway and was written by Richard Martin a technical specialist.

As I write this in Early April, it seems hard to believe that silage time will likely be at the ‘normal’ time.

However, grass quality will begin to decline at the same date as normal as this is determined by day length rather than temperature. This winter’s experience has taught us, if we did not know already, how important grass quality is to maintain stock performance and condition.

So, with grass D-value falling at a rate of 3 unity per week as soon as seed heads appear and D-value representing animal productivity and feed cost saving, it is vital that the grass is cut at the right time even if there is a slightly lower yield. Obviously, it is no good having the best, competition-winning silage, but then running out at the end of February, so consider making a second cut and getting the most from this.

Even in mid summer, grass responds well to nutrients. A good quality ley will respond to around 100kgN/ha (80units/acre) as well as potash and sulphur and from that you can expect around 6 tonnes/acre of silage. Sulphur is a nutrient which is often neglected when considering grass fertiliser. In many cases it will give extra yield now that air pollution has been significantly reduced. But, possibly more importantly, sulphur will lift sugar content and protein content of grass making each mouthful more valuable. If taking a second cut on more acres puts grazing under pressure, additional nitrogen invested here can also pay dividends. Despite the cost, it represents a small investment compared to the losses that can be incurred from either poor quality silage or insufficient silage.

A soil sample will confirm where your money might be best invested – lime, phosphate, potash or nitrogen.

For more information, contact Rootwise on 01833 696825.

Amenity Turf

Gypsum improves and maintains the health and hardwearing properties of all amenity turfs. It helps in two ways, improving soil structure and supplies calcium and sulphur, both essential plant nutrients.

The following article was taken from Gypsum.co.nz on 18th January 2013.

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Understanding Your Garden’s Soil

Understanding Your Garden’s Soil

Learn how to grow a healthy garden with great garden soil!

To grow a healthy garden that thrives with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, you must first start with great garden soil. By understanding your garden’s soil, you’ll ensure your plants receive the vital nutrients they need all season long. By starting your garden with great soil, you’ll provide your garden with the perfect plant conditions to grow a healthy garden.

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Study shows importance of sulphur to OSR yields

Applying extra sulphur to oilseed rape crops delivered an extra £70/ha last season, according to ADAS trial results.

The ADAS run trial at Rosemaund, Herefordshire, showed an optimum sulphur rate of 112kg SO3/ha which increased yield from 3.93t/ha to 4.1t/ha. So, an additional £25 spend produced an extra £70 yield giving a 250% return on your investment. (more…)

Root-Bed Testimonial

We have found that Root-Bed provides a dry cubicle bed for dairy cows that is extremely cost effective and easy to dispense. Not only does it provide a disinfectant to the cubicle but is also kind to the cow’s teats. It is hassle free in slurry systems providing important Calcium and Sulphur to the soil via the slurry as applied.

Mr Hunter, Cumbria