Long-term slurry application and high stocking rates could be the cause of poor sward palatability problems identified at the soil surgery at this year's Dairy Event and Livestock Show.
Poor palatability was a common problem this year, explained consultant Phil Clarke, P & L Agri Consulting.
"Many farmers are reporting that cows won't eat the grass and consequently swards are growing long and becoming poor quality."
Mr Clarke said this was usually linked to incorrect sodium and potash balance in the soils and as such it was important to get a soil analysis done to identify what actions needed to be taken.
"Commonly on these swards, analysis identifies low sodium levels relative to potash," he said.
Often fields nearer to the farm steading were more prone to potash/sodium in-balance because of long-term application of slurry near the farm. "Often slurry is treated as a waste product and spread closer to the farm, concentrating the problem in these areas."
Feeding more and more high potash feeds such as soya, also meant slurry included higher levels of potash. High stocking rates at grazing also created additional slurry application during the summer – this all contributed to reduced sward palatability.
Mr Clarke said common treatment to correct the sodium/potash balance after soil analysis had confirmed a problem would be to apply salt to land.
Surface compaction was also a common problem seen on many of the soil samples bought to the stand at the event, said Kingshay technical specialist Tom Bell.
"This is caused by high stocking rates during wet weather - where possible avoid grazing in wet conditions or be aware that you will need to slit aerate. This also emphasises the importance of having good cow tracks in place."
Mr Bell stressed that correct timing of slit aeration was crucial in the treatment of soil compaction. "Slit aeration should only be carried out in the autumn or spring, before it gets too wet or dry."
If you poach land in one season, you will need two seasons of slit aeration to get it right, said Mr Clarke.
dairytech