NITROGEN IS A KEY DRIVER OF GRASS GROWTH THIS AUTUMN

Grassland farms now need to grow as much grass as possible over the coming months. The Department of Agriculture has recently extended the deadline for fertiliser and slurry spreading dates to the end of September and October respectively giving farmers a chance to maximise autumn grass growth for fodder production. This will extend the shoulders of the grazing season and may provide a potential to save extra silage. Nitrogen (N) is a key element in fuelling grass growth and grass is very responsive to it. Adequate N is essential for photosynthesis and provides the highest DM yield response in the plant. It also boosts energy and protein content of the sward.