LIPP

Low input permanent pasture (LIPP) is one of the main actions picked by farmers in the scheme, with 280,000ha designated as such.

For fertiliser, farmers are permitted to spread 40kg of chemical nitrogen per hectare over the course of the year.

Looking at commonly-used options, this equates to approximately three bags of CAN/ha (1.2/acre) per annum or approximately 4.5 bags of 18:6:12/ha (1.8/acre) over the year. Other types of fertiliser can also be used.

Where present, rushes must be controlled mechanically, by weed-wiping or spot-spraying. They can also be controlled by topping. However, this cannot be completed between 15 March and 1 July annually.

THM

Traditional hay meadow (THM) was also a popular option in the scheme. Again, the maximum chemical nitrogen usage is 40kg per hectare over the course of the year.

Grazing cannot take place from 15 April until the meadow is mown annually, which must be after 1 July. Topping cannot take place on the parcel from 15 March until after the meadow is mown annually.

WBC

Where wild bird cover (WBC) is planted, it must remain in situ until 15 March the following year. In the year in which parcels have been fully replanted, livestock may enter the parcel from 15 March to planting time to aid in the decomposition of trash.

Where a one-year seed mix was used, plots will then have to be replanted every year. While drilling is the preferred sowing method, broadcasting of the seed is permitted. However, farmers are required to increase the seed rates by between one third and a half.

Supplementary feeding

With very little grass in fields, a lot of livestock are currently receiving supplementary feeding.

For both LIPP and THM, supplementary meal feeding in troughs is permitted for both sheep and cattle, provided troughs are moved to avoid poaching. Hay feeding to sheep is also permitted provided hay racks are moved to avoid poaching.

No supplementary feeding of forage, such as silage, is allowed to cattle.

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