Autumn seeded leys and N fertiliser in spring?

Young ryegrass/red clover leys that were sown in the autumn can look like they are nitrogen deficient in their first spring. Some farmers opt to apply N fertiliser in early April to yellow, N deficient grass to increase its growth. This though can have the consequence of altering the balance between grass and clover. Too much N fertiliser and the ryegrass can get the better of the clover. This should be avoided so we recommend that where N is applied a maximum of 35 kg per hectare or if you work in old money, then 1 cwt Nitram/acre.

 

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Date Posted: 13th April 2012