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Author Topic: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?  (Read 4356 times)

Fieldfare

  • Joined Feb 2011
Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
« on: June 26, 2013, 11:06:15 pm »
Hi all- due to lack of equipment- what is the effect of topping a 3 acre hay field instead of cutting for hay? Will I 'ruin' it? Thanks!

henchard

  • Joined Dec 2010
  • Carmarthenshire
    • Two Retirees Start a New Life in Wales
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Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2013, 09:14:46 am »
Topping it is fine and the nutrients will go back into the land UNLESS the toppings are so thick that they lie and kill the grass underneath (although you'll be surprised how even then it can recover). If there are thick layers of toppings you may want to consider raking it off and dumping in a corner.

luckylady

  • Joined Aug 2009
  • Yorkshire
Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2013, 09:39:50 am »
We have topped ours before and then got a good hay crop off it the following year.  Probably best to top a couple of times so, like Henchard said, it doesn't get too thick and kill off the underlying growth.
Doing that swan thing - cool and calm on the surface but paddling like crazy beneath.

Backinwellies

  • Global Moderator
  • Joined Sep 2012
  • Llandeilo Carmarthenshire
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Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2013, 11:04:54 am »
Topping is fine  and encourages growth,     as long as pasture gets a good cut and removal /or close graze every couple of years or creeping grasses take over
Linda

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lachlanandmarcus

  • Joined Aug 2010
  • Aberdeenshire
Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2013, 01:11:08 pm »
Its def better to top than to do nothing at all, so yes I would top it.

 

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