Grassland Sward Slitter

Grassland Sward Slitter improves air interchange through the soil surface.

The Grassland Sward Slitter improves aeration of plant roots in the upper soil surface and stimulates grass and clover growth. Aeration of the sward root zone is critical for a healthy ley. Slitting allows oxygen interchange through the soil surface and also encourages evaporation of moisture in the surface layer of soil so that it dries out more quickly – this will promote earlier growth in the spring.
Whilst slitting or spiking of grassland is not new, OPICO have taken a fresh look at the design of the Grassland Sward Slitter's blades and incorporated a chamfered trailing edge. This limits the turf damage when each knife comes out of the soil, so leaving a better finish.

Features of the Grassland Sward Slitter

chamfered trailing blade edge
Heavy Duty Frame
Weight Carrying Rack
Protective Skid
Improved Aeration

Blade Edge

The points incorporate a chamfered trailing edge. This limits the turf damage when each 210mm knife comes out of the soil, so leaving a clean finish and minimising the disturbance of the grass. Each blade is clamped in from both sides ensuring a secure fixture preventing loss of bolts and blades.

Heavy Duty Frame

All Sward Slitter’s come with heavy duty, robust frames for added durabilty and longevity. The frame also adds some extra weight that is needed in the dryer months ensuring the blades penetrate the ground fully, improving drainage and removing surface compaction.

Weight Carrying Rack

All machines come with a weight rack fitted as standard, optional weight spindles and disc sets are available for use in hard conditions. Each spindle and disc set consists of 1 x spindle and a set of discs weighing approximately 90kg.

Protective Skid

The protective skids under each bearing protect the axle by limiting the working depth of the machine, they also protects the bearings from ingress of soil. The angle of each axle can be altered to 5° to make the blades more agressive and open a wider slit if required.

Improved Aeration

The improved aeration promotes healthier soil, improved grass growth and encourages clover reproduction

Rigid

2.5m and 3.0m models are available, the 2.5m model has 56 blades and the 3m has 72, both with four blades per rotor for maximum effectiveness.

Front Mounted

2.5m and 3m models are available, the 2.5m model has 56 blades and the 3m has 72, both with four blades per rotor for maximum effectiveness.

Hydraulic Folding

5m and 6m models are available, the 5m model has 112 blades and the 6m has 144, both with four blades per rotor for maximum effectiveness.

Sward Slitter - Rigid

Sward Slitter - Front Mounted

Sward Slitter - Hydraulic Folding

Grassright - Making grass profitable

Grass is universally acknowledged to be the cheapest source of energy for ruminant livestock. Its use as forage – whether grazed or ensiled - contributes directly to the profitability of the livestock enterprise.

It therefore follows, that any steps taken to further improve the productivity of grassland, through efficient and effective management and use of inputs, will also further improve farm profitability.

Yet the profitability of a piece of grassland is determined not by one management factor but by many. These include: grazing system, ground cultivation, re-seeding frequency, choice of seed mixture and its suitability for the intended purpose, appropriate choice and timely application of fertilisers and herbicides for best results at least cost, cutting dates (silage), clamp management and appropriate use of silage additives. Nor should any one of these factors be considered in isolation, they are all inter-related.

So how can farmers follow ‘best practice’ and ensure that grassland is managed ‘right’ for profit? The answer is an initiative called ‘grassright’ in which free information and advice is made available to farmers to help ensure the full profit potential of their grass is realised.

Visit www.grassright.co.uk and find out more.

This initiative is supported by a group of four companies, each with specific knowledge and expertise in certain areas of grassland management. They are: Advanta Seeds, Dow AgroSciences, Kemira GrowHow and OPICO.

The grassright group is also working with farmers, through practical on-farm trials, to assess the financial returns from adopting an integrated approach to grassland management.

An integrated approach to grassland management

Improving grassland productivity is not just a case of reseeding or controlling weeds. An integrated approach is needed. The Grassright Group has produced a booklet on Best Practice Grassland Management which encompasses all the aspects of establishing and maintaining good grassland. Downloaded the Grassright booklet, or to receive a printed copy email info@grassright.co.uk.