There are approximately 350,000ha of traditional hay meadow and low input permanent pasture (LIPP) land being delivered through the GLAS scheme currently.

Farmers who chose the traditional hay meadow action should note that the deadline for grazing these parcels is 14 April.

From 15 April onwards, grazing cannot take place in the parcel where the meadow is located.

The parcel has to remain closed to livestock until after 1 July.

According to the Department, the objective of the traditional hay meadow action is to “promote the maintenance of a traditional method of forage conservation that is beneficial to grassland flora and fauna”.

GLAS participants should also note that if they were approved for a nitrates derogation in any year of the GLAS contract, they are deemed ineligible for this action and there will be a claw-back of any traditional hay meadow payments made to date.

Rushes can be controlled in these parcels. While weed wiping or spot spraying can take place between 15 March and when the meadow is mown annually, topping to control rushes cannot take place between these dates. Remember, the maximum chemical nitrogen usage on these parcels is 40kg N/ha/annum.

Lime

Ground conditions on the majority of farms are in a very good state and offer a perfect opportunity for lime spreading.

The fields/paddocks with a low pH should be targeted first and freshly reseeded fields should receive preferential treatment.

Soil pH has a large effect on nutrient availability, especially phosphorus, which is essential for grass growth.

The target soil pH on peat and mineral soils is pH 5.5 and 6.3 respectively.

Maintaining the soil pH in the optimum range will increase the biological activity of the soil, encouraging earthworms to thrive, it will increase nutrient availability such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it improves soil structure, which is beneficial for aeration and drainage, and it increases crop production.

To avoid nitrogen loss, it is recommended to wait three months after liming before applying urea or slurry. There is no issue with CAN applications after lime.