Managing grazing into autumn

Keeping grazing paddocks in good condition into autumn can present several potential problems and to help avoid or deal with these, Suregrow Fertiliser offers some practical seasonal advice:

1. Top areas where there are long stalks and grasses have gone to seed, ashorses won’t eat these. Topping the whole paddock will encourage more even grazing.

2. Pick up droppings daily to avoid ‘stale’ areas developing, as horses don’t graze these, effectively reducing available grazing.

3. Apply Suregrow Fertiliser now – 2-3 bags per acre – as this will help produce a thicker sward going through to winter, which in turn will minimise winter poaching.

4. Re-seed areas if needed as soon as possible, giving the grass a chance to properly establish before temperatures fall too far. Ideally keep horses away until new grass is growing strongly.

5. Keep on top of weeds by hand pulling or spot-spraying, taking care to keep horses off sprayed areas as required – read the herbicide label.

6. Clean up fallen leaves and autumn debris to ensure sunlight still reaches the grass and make a plan to keep hedges trimmed to remove overhanging growth.

7. If you have drainage issues, try and resolve them before the weather turns too wet to carry out work needed.

8. Don’t overstock your grazing – a closely nibbled sward will not stand up to hooves as well as a good grass covering.

For individual advice, contact Suregrow Fertiliser on 0560 112 6627, visit the Suregrow website or join our enthusiastic Facebook community.

Image caption: Caroline Powell turns Lenamore out into his paddock to graze grass fertilised with Suregrow Fertiliser.

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