Prepare grassland for optimal productivity in 2025
To make the most of grassland for the 2025 grazing and silage season, farmers must focus on nutrient management to maximise forage outputs.
A proactive approach to soil and plant health can improve pasture growth and quality, enhance silage yields and benefit livestock performance on valuable homegrown feed.
This guide provides practical recommendations for managing nutrients in grassland based on current best practice and industry guidance.
Nitrogen management for grass growth
Nitrogen (N) is a critical nutrient for grass growth, driving both biomass production and forage quality.
However, applying nitrogen effectively requires precision in timing, rates, and product selection to maximise plant uptake, reduce losses, and prevent environmental impacts such as nitrate leaching.
Top advice: Split applications for optimal grass growth
To optimise nitrogen efficiency, it is best to apply a nitrogen fertiliser, like OCI Nutramon, in multiple doses throughout the growing season, aligning with the grass’s growth stages and nutrient demands.
AHDB’s Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) provides these recommendations for spreading nitrogen on grassland:
- Early spring (late February to March)
The first nitrogen application should coincide with the onset of grass growth when soil temperatures consistently exceed 5°C. Early application supports tillering and sets the stage for a strong first cut or early grazing.
Spreading rates should be tailored to each field’s soil nitrogen supply (SNS) and grass growth class (GGC) – two factors that influence how well soils will respond to nutrients.
- Post-grazing or post-silage cuts (April to August)
After each grazing rotation or silage cut, AHDB’s RB209 guide recommends applying 50-70 kg N/ha throughout the summer, to help replenish nutrients removed by the cut forage.
By stimulating rapid regrowth, additional applications help growers achieve multiple silage cuts.
- Late summer (August to September)
A final light application of nitrogen (AHDB recommends 20-30 kg N/ha) may be beneficial for autumn grazing swards, provided soil conditions remain conducive to plant uptake.
Late applications should be avoided if heavy rainfall is forecast, as this increases the risk of leaching.
Phosphate and potash for resilient pastures
Phosphate (P) and potassium (K) are vital nutrients for supporting strong root systems, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving grass resilience against stressors such as drought.
To achieve optimal grass growth, it is important to maintain soil indices at a target level of 2 for both phosphate and potash.
Grassland used for silage often requires higher inputs of P and K to replace the nutrients removed during cutting.
For instance, a single silage cut typically removes around 25–30 kg P₂O₅/ha and 120–150 kg K₂O/ha.
To ensure soil reserves are adequately replenished, phosphate and potash should be applied in spring and again after each silage cut.
This approach supports pasture productivity throughout the year and long-term soil health.
Sulphur for forage quality
Sulphur (S) plays a major role in supporting the protein content and digestibility of grass and silage.
Deficiencies are most common in light, sandy soils and areas with high rainfall, where leaching can deplete sulphur reserves.
These deficiencies often occur alongside nitrogen deficiencies, further limiting grass growth and forage quality.
To address this, AHDB’s RB209 guide recommends applying 20–40 kg SO₃/ha annually, with rates adjusted based on soil type, rainfall levels, and the intensity of grassland use.
The importance of lime in grassland management
Maintaining soil pH with timely lime application is imperative for effective grassland management, as it directly impacts nutrient availability and microbial activity essential for healthy plant growth.
Optimal soil pH level for grassland
For most grassland, the optimal soil pH range is 6.0–6.5, ensuring that nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potash are readily available for uptake.
This range promotes efficient root function and supports the activity of beneficial soil microbes responsible for nutrient cycling and organic matter breakdown.
In clover-rich swards, where nitrogen fixation by clover nodules is critical, a slightly higher pH of 6.5–7.0 is recommended to maximise biological activity and plant health.
Applying lime
Lime should be applied as needed to raise pH levels on grassland, based on the results of regular soil testing.
For best results, lime applications should be planned well in advance of the growing season to allow adequate time for soil pH adjustment.
In-season adjustments for 2025 grassland success
Grass growth patterns and nutrient demands vary depending on weather, grazing intensity, and cutting schedules.
Proactive nutrient management ensures that grassland remains productive and resilient, delivering the forage needed to support livestock performance and farm profitability in 2025.
Regular monitoring, soil testing, and timely applications will set your grassland up for success.
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