Four plots that had been managed identically and possessed similar attributes were chosen as seen in Figure 1. An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening was requested for plots 1, 2 and 3 on 31 July 2023, with the approval given to go ahead with reseeding given within two weeks.
Figure 1. The divided plot areas; Control, Plot 1, Plot 2 and Plot 3 and hectare detail for each plot
The control plot was not reseeded, but rather kept as permanent pasture, while details of the mixtures used in the rest of the plots can be seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Details of ley type treatment and seed rate for each plot area
Details of the varieties included in the above seed mixes are available in Figure 3a, 3b and 3c.
Figure 3a. BarMix Long Term Ley seed mix details used in plot 1
Figure 3b. Multi Species Ley seed mix details used in plot 2
Figure 3c. E & W Permanent Supreme seed mix details used in plot 3
For crop establishment the following actions were undertaken:
- Destroy current pasture using Glyphosate at recommended rate on 18 August
- Lime at 4 t/ha
- Apply fertiliser for establishment at 600kg/ha of 16:16:16 on 24 August
- Direct drill seed at recommended seed rate for each plot area detailed in Figures 3 and 4, along with slug pellets at recommended rate using Moore Vredo, disc seeder on 25 August.
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