Soil assessment prior to a grassland reseed

Read our tips on how to soil test a field and assess soil structure for a grassland reseed.

Six months before reseeding, it is important to check the following:

• Make sure the field drainage system is working and fit for purpose
• Look for wet areas and indicator species such as rushes
• Clear drainage ditches and ensure all outflows are working correctly

• Walk the field in a ‘W’. Avoid gateways and feeding areas
• Twist a sampling auger/soil corer down to 15 cm (if planning to plough) or 7.5 cm (if only cultivating the surface)
• Collect 25 plugs of soil in a bucket and mix well
• Take out a subsample, seal the soil in a plastic bag and label
• Send the sample to a soil laboratory (via local co-op, fertiliser merchant or independent company)
• Sample at least two months after the last application of manure, fertiliser or lime

Use the four steps in the AHDB Healthy grassland soils pocketbook:

1. Surface assessment
2. Soil extraction
3. Soil assessment
4. Soil scoring

If the soil scores 1, 2 or 3, a ‘minimum-till’ reseed rather than ploughing may be sufficient. However, if the soil scores 4 or 5, then ploughing would be recommended.

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Field drainage guide or Healthy grassland soils pocketbook, please contact:

Email: publications@ahdb.org.uk

Telephone: 0247 799 0069