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Grass growth frigid in frosty April
Wednesday, 5 May 2021
Average national grass growth rates were less than impressive during April, according to our Forage for Knowledge programme, with many areas of the country subject to regular overnight frosts and minimal rainfall.
According to the Met Office, April 2021 delivered the lowest average minimum temperatures since 1922, and is provisionally the frostiest April for at least 60 years. This comes despite clear conditions leading to much of the country receiving long hours of sunshine. April was a very dry month for many, with 20.1mm average rainfall received across the UK as a whole making it the fourth driest April on record.
Looking back to the week ending 8 April, GB daily grass growth rates were on an upward trend, averaging 34.8 kg DM/ha. Rates then fell to 24.7 kg DM/ha/day the following week, with reports of falling soil temperatures.
Grass growth rates have since returned to an upward trajectory, although are markedly behind the long-term average. In the week ending 29 April, GB average growth rates stood at 36.6kg DM/ha/day, up 7.1kg DM/ha on the previous week, with grass quality reportedly high.
The wet weather over the early May bank holiday will have been welcomed by many. This, combined with forecast rain for several parts of the country is expected to help improve grass growth and soil moisture levels over the next few weeks.
For the latest research and advice on grass, forage and soil management, head to our Grass & Forage Management webpages.
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