Dairy Event 2010: Sward assessment system launched
A new assessment system will put sward quality under the spotlight and help farmers take the most appropriate course of action to improve ley quality.
Based on a simple “traffic light” approach, the system provides guidelines on the four most important sward composition criteria and translates a field assessment into a clear plan on the most appropriate course of action.
The system is designed to encourage farmers to look after their swards and then prompt a more detailed appraisal of the wider issues affecting the performance of a ley, said British Seed Houses‘ Paul Billings at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show.
“The system starts with a simple visual assessment of the sward and requires the participant to assess overall sward density as well as the relative proportions of ryegrass, clover and weeds,” he said.
The result of this assessment will point to one of three possible outcomes; no action, the need to reseed; or improve the ley.
The system comprises a simple field guide (SwardDisc) to assist in initial assessments.