A new grass seed additive which enhances the plants ability to use soil nutrients could significantly improve ley productivity.

Biagro grass is a seed dressing which supplies a mixture of naturally occurring Mycorrhizal fungi, which take energy and sugar from the plant and in return supply the plant with nutrients from the soil, explains The Glenside Group’s Ian Robertson, prior to the Dairy Event 2010.

“The first impact of the better supply of nutrients is a faster crop establishment and the development of a stronger root structure. Trials at Bangor University show yield increases in grazing situations of more than 40% in the early season. Grass also shows higher mineral content than untreated grass.”

Biagro grass is applied at a rate of 1kg/ha mixed in with the seed and costs about £25/ha.