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Author Topic: Topping long grass in new field  (Read 6249 times)

Rob73

  • Joined May 2016
  • Devon
Topping long grass in new field
« on: July 05, 2016, 06:39:40 pm »
Hi all,
Just acquired 4.5 acres, now the field will need some work to get rid of the rushes, I want to top it, the grass and rushes are about 3ft - 4ft and I do not think it would be good for hay (plus I do not have the equipment to make hay), is it ok to top it down to about 1ft or will the cuttings kill off what's left.

Thanks

Rob

SallyintNorth

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • Cornwall
  • Rarely short of an opinion but I mean well
    • Trelay Cohousing Community
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2016, 08:18:15 pm »
Don't know what your plans are for the field, but don't forget that rushes make great shelter -and shade- for sheep, especially lambs in a wet, windy Spring.

If you can use a flail topper it'll mash the stalks more than a blade, which'll help it get incorporated. 

Whether the cuttings will choke the grass depends on how thick the rushes are, how windy the spot is, etc.  If you can see grass through and between the rushes, and the rushes aren't thick up higher than your waist, it'll probably be fine. 

Just realised you're topping 3-4' grass too.. Can you get some cattle on to graze it? 
Don't listen to the money men - they know the price of everything and the value of nothing

Live in a cohousing community with small farm for our own use.  Dairy cows (rearing their own calves for beef), pigs, sheep for meat and fleece, ducks and hens for eggs, veg and fruit growing

Rob73

  • Joined May 2016
  • Devon
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2016, 05:51:32 am »
Thanks, rushes verses grass is about 50 / 50, but until I can get onto the field to top it down it's difficult to see.

I am currently working away so will only be able to get on the field at the weekends.


Foobar

  • Joined Mar 2012
  • South Wales
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2016, 09:25:11 am »
You might be best to just get someone to cut it and bale it and take it away, then you can start with a blank canvas.

UPoneacre

  • Joined Nov 2013
  • Llanidloes, Powys
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2016, 09:36:50 am »
You might be best to just get someone to cut it and bale it and take it away, then you can start with a blank canvas.
That's just what we did with our field when we moved here, same problem/height, but no rushes just tough old cocksfoot grass. Luckily after I'd cut it our neighbour kindly baled it and took it away.
It might be worth looking at topping that height grass etc in two stages otherwise it'd be hard work for your topper, depending on what you're using, of course.

Foobar

  • Joined Mar 2012
  • South Wales
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2016, 10:24:24 am »
I was thinking that that quantity of cut grass lying on the field will take longer to rot down and so will impinge the new grass growth.

SallyintNorth

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • Cornwall
  • Rarely short of an opinion but I mean well
    • Trelay Cohousing Community
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2016, 11:38:12 am »
I was thinking that that quantity of cut grass lying on the field will take longer to rot down and so will impinge the new grass growth.

Aye, hence my asking if he could get some cattle on to graze it
Don't listen to the money men - they know the price of everything and the value of nothing

Live in a cohousing community with small farm for our own use.  Dairy cows (rearing their own calves for beef), pigs, sheep for meat and fleece, ducks and hens for eggs, veg and fruit growing

Marches Farmer

  • Joined Dec 2012
  • Herefordshire
Re: Topping long grass in new field
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2016, 04:08:40 pm »
Can you find someone with native breeds - Highland, Galloway, Shetland, etc.?  Cutting material that long and leaving it to rot will impede the growth of healthy new grass.  so baling and carting away would be best for this year, perhaps chain harrow to let in some light and air.

 

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