Overseeding Grassland
Overseeding has been used as a way of rejuvenating grassland for many years. When managed properly, overseeding can be an effective way of improving production. However, if done ‘on the cheap’ while not dealing with the fundamental reasons for reduced production, the benefits can be minimal and short lived.
Grassland will lose productivity for some or all of the following reasons:
- Established grass varieties have reached the end of their productive life
- Increased dominance of weed grasses and broadleaved weeds
- Poor soil structure due to bad drainage and compaction
- Poor P & K indices and pH scores
- Inappropriate management of grass e.g. under/over stocking.
To make sure you maximise the potential of overseeding, use the following tips:
- Cut or graze the grass as tightly as possible
- Spray out in advance broadleaved weeds
- Ensure P & K indices are at least 2 and consider a Phosphate starter fertiliser
- Make sure pH is 6.5 – 7.0 and soil structure is in good condition
- Remove any thatch, moss etc. using grassland rakes or harrows (remove excessive material if necessary)
- If broadcasting seed, ensure the rake/ harrow produces sufficient surface tilth to bury the seed
- If using a specialist overseeding drill or a disc seed drill, avoid excessively wet conditions. Leaving the seed in an ‘open slot’ is not a good start
- Always roll the seed in, preferably using Cambridge rolls, to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Which grass varieties should I use?
For specialist cutting leys, Hybrid ryegrasses are preferable. They are vigorous to establish and are more persistent than Italian Ryegrass. For dual purpose leys, Hybrids or tetraploid perennial ryegrasses are more reliable.
Golden Rules
- Don’t leave grassland to reach very low levels before overseeding. Remember, maximising average annual production is key.
- Have a planned approach to overseeding, monitoring leys to ensure high yields of good quality forage are produced.
- Choose the right variety to sow for your situation.
Overseeding Mixtures
Dual Purpose Overseeding
Dual purpose overseeding mixtures are designed to improve a medium to longterm cutting and grazing ley. As shown a clover mixture is also available.
| 35% Hybrid Ryegrass | (T) |
| 30% Intermed. Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
| 35% Late Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
Recommended sowing rate 10 kg/acre
Dual Purpose Overseeding with Clover
Dual purpose overseeding mixtures are designed to improve a medium to longterm cutting and grazing ley. As shown a clover mixture is also available.
| 35% Hybrid Ryegrass | (T) |
| 30% Intermed. Perennial Ryegrass | (D) |
| 30% Late Perennial Ryegrass | (D) |
| 10% White Clover Blend |
Recommended sowing rate 10 kg/acre
Grazer Overseeding
Grazer overseeding mixtures are designed for improving quality of
medium to long-term grazing leys. Using tetraploid perennials which are favourable for grazing.
| 40% Intermed. Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
| 30% Late Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
| 30% Late Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
Recommended sowing rate 10 kg/acre
Grazer Overseeding with Clover
Grazer overseeding mixtures are designed for improving quality of
medium to long-term grazing leys. Using tetraploid perennials which are favourable for grazing.
| 40% Intermed. Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
| 25% Late Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
| 25% Late Perennial Ryegrass | (T) |
| 10% White Clover Blend |
Recommended sowing rate 10 kg/acre