| New Year | Check soil ph. Soil test to determine fertilizer requirements. Assess winter drainage problems. Spread composted manure onto pasture. Have soil analysis and agronomy report done every 3 to 4 years. | | Spring | Surface slit/core aerate and harrow to open surface crust, remove dead thatch and level poached areas. Harrow in 3 or 4 directions. Remove debris. Re-seed bald areas and fence off. Overseed whole paddocks where necessary. Apply calcified seaweed if available and if required. | | March | Refer to soil analysis if done and apply low dose of fertilizer for steady growth. Keep an eye out for emerging ragwort. Aerate and harrow when ground is dry enough. | | April | Chain harrow if ground was too wet earlier in spring. Harrow to tear out buttercup rhizomes. Clear and burn dead thatch and weed seedlings. Boom spray for ragwort and broad leaf weeds when rosettes are actively growing (This is essential if pasture has a history of ragwort problems.)
| | May/June | Fertilize again. Dig and burn ragwort throughout summer. Mole drain areas affected by winter flooding when ground traction is good. Top regularly to remove dock, thistle and buttercup leaves.
| | June/July | Top to 4”. Top again at 6” back to 4”. If dry summer apply liquid folia at 1L to 25 gallons per acre every 2 to 3 weeks. Wet summer- keep topped. Prevent seeding of flowering ragwort – spray, dig or at worst cut and clear as necessary. | | August | Late- harrow and clear debris. Overseeding through to end of Sept. Check for second crop of ragwort. Spray, dig or clear and burn.
| | September | Fertilize and harrow (not where seeded) on a dry day. Aerate where needed when ground is moist but firm. | | October | Final top and clear. Cover manure heaps for composting. | | Nov/Dec | Repair fences, stables etc.. Clear ditches. Aerate and surface slit if weather permits. |
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