FARMERS are taking a more measured and scientific approach to their grassland, leading to reduced fertiliser usage, according to a new survey.

Organised by the Grassland & Muck Event, the survey found more farmers are analysing their soil and manure than ever before, with an increasing number also taking professional advice on variety choice.

However, there is still a huge opportunity for farmers to make more of their grassland, with only 14 per cent regularly measuring grass growth and 29 per cent still not producing a nutrient or manure management plan.

Alice Bell, head of technical events and organiser of Grassland & Muck, was encouraged to see farmer’s changing attitudes since the last survey in 2011.

She said: “Of particular note is a more scientific approach to manure and slurry usage: 14 per cent of respondents now use laboratory analysis against nine per cent in 2011 and the proportion basing nutrient content on personal assumption has dropped 37 per cent to 20 per cent.

“As a result, 29 per cent of respondents have reduced nitrogen fertiliser usage, 24 per cent are using less phosphate and 21 per cent have cut potash applications.

“The cost savings from making better use of manure are considerable, but it’s also interesting to note that between 15 per cent and 19 per cent of farmers have increased fertiliser use, based on soil analysis, to improve grass quality and yield.”

However, Nigel Hester, area manager at Yara, said there was still plenty farmers could do to exploit the true potential of their grass.

He said: “Many are still not soil testing frequently enough, measuring grass yields or investing in the best grass varieties where an effective balanced crop nutrition programme will help achieve high yields of nutritious forage.”

Some 70 per cent of respondents never measure their grass, and 14 per cent never test their soils. However, 62 per cent test their soils every five years or less, and the majority reseed leys every six years or less.

“The top reasons for reseeding are poor silage crop or low yield (49 per cent), rotation (37 per cent) and weeds (33 per cent),” said Ms Bell.

Those using the Recommended List to select grass and clover varieties increased slightly to 46 per cent, with those taking agronomist’s advice up from 31 per cent to 36 per cent.

Considerably more farmers now spread slurry and manure on arable land – 49 per cent compared to 34 per cent in 2011.

John Williams. principal soil scientist at ADAS, said: “Arable producers are increasingly turning to more traditional methods to combat rising input costs and falling soil organic matter.

“Many are now opting to return grass and livestock to the enterprise mix, which is something that we will explore in more detail at this year’s Grassland & Muck Event.”

The Grassland & Muck Event is at Stoneleigh from Wednesday, May 24, to Thursday, May 25.