Method of establishing clover in Teagasc Ballyhaise
This research trial at Ballyhaise Agricultural College is looking at transitioning from high levels of Nitrogen use to low levels through incorporating white clover into new and existing perennial ryegrass swards. James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Ballyhaise explains how clover was established
Establishing white clover on any commercial farm will take a number of years using a combination of reseeding and over-sowing. Incorporating white clover in a full reseed is the most reliable method of establishing white clover and provides the best opportunity for weed control.
From the outset, it was decided to accelerate the process through increased levels of reseeding in the early part of the study while also over sowing clover into existing swards. With 25% of the area reseeded in both 2021 and 2022 while also over sowing a further 15% each year.
Next season a more normal level of 10% reseeding and 10% over sowing will be carried out in order to maintain clover in swards which is the rate that would be recommended at commercial farm level.
In the video below we hear from Donal Patton on the reseeding process which was undertaken in Ballyhaise over the last number of weeks:
Reseeding Checklist
- Aim to reseed as early in the year as possible when soil temperatures are high and increasing, and there is adequate opportunity for weed control.
- Soil sample for P, K and pH, target pH >6.5 and index 3 or greater for P&K.
- Spray off the old pasture with a minimum of 5 L/ha of glyphosate; allow a minimum of 7 to 10 days after spraying before cultivating.
- Apply ground limestone at a rate of between 5.0 – 7.5 T/ha
- Prepare a fine, firm seedbed.
- Use grass and white clover varieties from the Irish Recommended List.
- Sowing rate - 28 to 30 kg/ha of grass plus 3.5 to 5.0 kg of medium leaved clover.
- Avoid sowing white clover seed too deep - sowing depth approx. 10 mm.
- Apply N:P:K fertiliser such as 10:10:20 at sowing
- Roll well to ensure good contact between the seed and the soil.
Watch out for the third video in the series which covers “Management of Grass / Clover swards in Teagasc Ballyhaise” here on Teagasc Daily
See the first video in the series: Incorporating clover at Ballyhaise
Ballyhaise’22 Dairy Open Day
Find out more by attending the Ballyhaise’22 Dairy Open Day which is taking place on Wednesday 13 July from 10am - 5pm at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. Eircode: H12 E392 .
The theme of this year’s event is, ‘Futureproofing Irish Dairying’.
Get all the details you need about what you can expect to see on stands, technology villages, demonstrations, workshops and much more at Ballyhaise’22 Dairy Open Day
Find out more about Teagasc Ballyhaise College