Paddock Rejuvenation
It is essential that paddocks, particularly equine paddocks that are used all year round are well maintained. Well maintained paddocks can improve the look of a property as well as ensure a good surface for the horse, preventing injury. Also a paddock that is well maintained will have a higher productivity and therefore keep the horses that graze on the paddock in better condition. Grass needs basic ingredients to flourish and bloom. These essential ingredients are sunlight, air, water, and nutrients/food. The paddock must be maintained throughout the year, a basic indicator is given below.
Spring
As the ground starts to dry during Spring the ground should be fertilised, aerate, rolled and harrowed. Any weeds should be removed.
Why Harrow? Harrowing removes any dead grass, smoothes paoching / winter hoof marks, takes out any moss and any small young weeds. Thus increasing space for the grass which in turn give the grass increased access to light, air, nutrients and water. Harrowing also areates the ground by disturbing and cutting into the surace of the soil that would have been compacted during the grazing year. This cutting of the surface also allows for easier flow of water and nutients into the ground and this into the roots of the grass. Also harrowing produces a more even surface to the ground helping avoid injury for the horse.
Why fertilise? As stated grass needs food and nutrients to grow, Fertiliser supplies this. If you practice dung removal during the year you are stripping the nutrients from the grass and you must give somthing back. The fertiliser used is dependant on choice and availability it can be organic (dung) or artificial.
Summer
If you dont make hay it is worth considering topping your ground. This prevents weeds growing and expanding. It also removes patchy areas of the field, removing the less tasty grass and encouraging fesh grass to grow. You will find topping will encourage more uniform grazing of the field.
Autumn
If your ground is poor and lacking in grass cover or just looking a bit thin it might be worth applying some grass seed between the months of september and october. Simply apply the seed to the patchy areas and then have the ground grass harrowed. However until the new grass has developed the horse must be removed from the ground.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
