Worth sowing into pasture pre Forest Garden plant-out?

[Josef Davies-Coates]

Hello permaculture people,

I'm involved in the design of a 2 acre forest garden in Shoreham, Kent, UK.

The site is currently pasture and we plan to start planting trees this winter.

My question is: do you think it is worth us sowing something into the pasture field now, in order to improve fertility? and if so, what do you think we should sow?

I've had some people say its not worth sowing directly into pasture because nothing will be able to germinate/ compete with the grass that is already there. But I've also heard stories of people successfully sowing stuff into grass.

Just wondering what people's thoughts/ experiences with this are?

Many thanks in advance,

Josef.


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Josef Davies-Coates
07974 88 88 95
http://uniteddiversity.com
Together We Have Everything

[franso...@sussexwt.org.uk]

Hi Josef,

 

I'd first urge you to err caution because if its a species rich / previously non agriculturally improved meadow then it is very rare and it would be a shame to reduce its conservation value through increasing its fertility. Also if its a hay meadow you may wish to actually enhance the wildflowers rather than encourage more grass. See the High weald Landscape Trust for more details on meadows.

 

However, if you know its an improved grassland (grasses like annual rye grass are common - these are often sown by farmers to improve 'agricultural' production) then there may be way of improving production through the introduction of other plants such as clovers. The best thing to do would be to find out what the main grass species are in the meadow now, and if any of them could be discouraged through planting other grasses which may be more 'parasitic' on the existing grasses. Planting yellow rattle flower which is parasitic on grass can also create the 'gaps' in the grass sward to enable you to add in other seeds. Most grassland management to add new species will involve some element of harrowing or similar to create gaps in the grass to allow the seeds to take.

 

I'm sorry but thats a really really rushed reply with not nearly enough detail. I've attached a leaflet which might be of help and suggest you take a look at the floodplain meadows website (although it may not be a floodplain meadow) - as these meadows are primarily fertilised by river silts.

 

Hope thats vaguely helpful anyway?

 

Fran

 

 

Fran Southgate - Sussex Wetland Landscapes Project
Direct Line: 01273 497555 / Mobile: 07825 797520
                     www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Wetland Landscapes Project promotes the sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The SWLP is part of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

 

www.sussexotters.org

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The Sussex Wetland Landscapes Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife. The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

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From: permaculture-...@googlegroups.com [mailto:permaculture-...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Josef Davies-Coates
Sent: 16 May 2011 11:59
To: permaculture-...@googlegroups.com; permale...@yahoogroups.com; ForestG...@yahoogroups.com; polycult...@yahoogroups.com; slu2009; permac...@lists.ibiblio.org; Permaculture Association (Britain)
Subject: [pc-diploma-guild] Worth sowing into pasture pre Forest Garden plant-out?

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[Josef Davies-Coates]

Thanks Fran, very interesting :)

We're having an ecologist come and check what plants are there soon. Pretty sure it will be "improved" grassland though.

Also, we'll be planting a load of fruit trees and bushes this winter and so most/ much of it will be mulched then anyway - my thought was perhaps we could sow something now that could fix nitrogen or work are a green manure for the trees and shrubs when they are planted out.

Either way, will check out the attachment and floodplain meadow site.

Thanks again,

[Sarah]

Hello Josef

Fran has given you the advice you need! All I will add is a suggestion
that you get in touch with the North West Kent Countryside
Partnership. As you fall within their patch they will most probably
know the area you are working in and will also be able to advise you.
In addition they may be able to tell you about any relevant grants
currently available.

Their contact details are included on their website: http://www.nwkcp.org/.
Mark Gallant is listed as their landscape and biodiversity officer.

I'm back working in protected landscapes now (tourism focused) and
spending 1 or 2 days a week at the Kent Downs AONB Unit. They support
the various countryside management partnerships operating on the
ground across Kent and can also advise on this type of thing.

Good luck with it.

Sarah


On May 16, 12:34 pm, Josef Davies-Coates <jo...@uniteddiversity.com>
wrote:

> 07974 88 88 95http://uniteddiversity.com
> Together We Have Everything