The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: Fieldfare on June 26, 2013, 11:06:15 pm

Title: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
Post by: Fieldfare 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!

Title: Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
Post by: henchard 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.

Title: Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
Post by: luckylady 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.

Title: Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
Post by: Backinwellies 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

Title: Re: Topping a hay field instead of cutting for hay?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus 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.