With reports of grass seed more than 20% higher than this time last year it is vitally important to do everything possible to protect this investment. Now is the time to monitor fields that have been reseeded and make the most of establishing your new sown leys into a thick sward. That's the message from Vaughn Stansfield, grassland agronomist with Dow AgroSciences.
"You can increase the life and productivity of the new ley by taking a few simple measures and it will pay dividends next spring. You will get a thick strong sward that will yield more and last longer by preventing weed re-infestation compared with an open, lax sward," says Mr Stansfield.
He advises that you first check fields four to six weeks after sowing and then regularly into the autumn. Grazing is often a way to encourage the new seedlings to tiller and as a way of keeping on top of weeds. Unfortunately, this still allows the weeds to grow and compete with the grass, so reducing the crop's potential.
"During the establishment of a ley the young grass seedlings have to work hard to compete with weeds. It is important to control weeds as soon as possible in the life of a new ley to get the best return from the expense of re-seeding. It's a case of protecting your investment," says Mr Stansfield.
Small weed seedlings are easier to control in the autumn with a herbicide like Pastor than established weeds in the spring. If you can remove the young weeds early it allows better establishment of the new seeds due to lack of competition for light and nutrients from the weeds. It will be one job less for the spring when time is more pressing.
"Make sure that grasses are at a suitable stage to spray. This will depend on the product you choose but broadly they must have three leaves, be progressing towards the tillering stage and that the majority of weeds have germinated. Chickweed is one of the most competitive weeds with young grass and it germinates strongly in the autumn," he says.
Check that the weather conditions are suitable before spraying. Don't spray before or after frosts or if the forecast indicates rapid deterioration in the weather. Active weed growth is required before and after application
For reseeds that do not contain clover Pastor is recommended to give a broad spectrum of weed control, which includes chickweed and seedling docks, thistles, nettles and a range of broad-leaved weeds.
Pastor has a proven high degree of crop safety especially in cooler conditions and will give successful long-term perennial weed control. Application of Pastor can be made to newly-sown grass reseeds, established pasture and grassland that is under non-rotational set aside arrangements
