Fodder Production and Grassland Management

RESEEDING

• On highly degraded grasslands, surest and quickest way of regeneration is re-seeding, but the topography of the land will be an important consideration in under taking the re-seeding operation.
• On level grounds, the operation is fairly easy and effective. Sufficient preliminary information should also be gathered on the choice of species to be sown, the quality of the seed, preparation of soil, moisture conditions and method of re-seeding, if the re-seeding programme is to be successfuly. On undulating sites soil conservation measures are essential before re-seeding.
• Re-seeding can be done on level land in rows 54 cm apart but the spacing can be increased if necessary, depending upon the quality of seed available, the urgency of regeneration and other factors.
• Normally, it is easier to secure a good stand, if reseeding is done after the monsoon sets in, but sometimes the dry sowings before the monsoon can also be done.
• After sowing the soil is given a light harrowing. The grazing during the first year of reseeding should be very light and allowed only after the grass has set seed. From the 2nd year onwards, moderate grazing can be allowed.