Harrows/Harrowing - and Moss!

[ponypatter]

Having walked my fields today to check the fences for summer turnout, I've realised what i thought from afar was grass is Moss, and tons of it.

So I've decided to buy a harrow (any other moss removal advice gratefully recieved) and wonder if anyone can give me any advice re harrows eg tines, weight, size anything really!

We've got 7 acres and can tow using a compact tractor or 4x4.

Fields are normally harrowed once a year by the farmer, but i think i need to do it more often!

Many thanks

 

[JamesEarwaker]

http://www.logictoday.co.uk/equestrian_lsh200.php

Ideal for a 4x4 or quad, would recommoned quad tho as then you can keep an eye on whats going off, 2m width which is ideal for horsey paddock gates and adjustable tines like you get on the bigger versions, sets how agressive you want the harrowing to be. Handy little tool

 

[irish_only]

After lots of changing of minds from frame harrows to drag harrows we went for drag. Although we are using a tractor, if you get some narrow ones you will be able to get through the gateways. You can use them either way up, with the tines down for really raking or moving dead grass, and tines up for levelling. £470 new for 10ft wide set.

 

[jrp204]

You may want to get the ph tested as well as harrowing, pretty sure moss can be a sign of low ph.

 

[Oldred]

Let me know if the harrowing for moss removal works! I have more moss than grass now but have been advised that harrowing it off then leaves a) bald patches where weeds take over and b) lots of dead moss on top of the grass that has to be removed. I don't know what to do for the best.

 

[irish_only]

If we can rest for a few months, we mix grass seed in with the fert and leave. Can really thicken it up in the bottom.

 

[HazellB]

.... harrowing it off then leaves a) bald patches where weeds take over and b) lots of dead moss on top of the grass ....

Both sadly true. Pain in the backside, too!

I'd go for pH testing, too. I guess you haven't limed in years? We haven't either and over winter moss has taken over my plot. It's my own fault ... the lime's been sitting in the barn for two years now, unused. Most land needs a bit of lime every 3 to 5 years just to sweeten it up.

 

[monkeymad]

Second adding in lime. I have alot of moss in my fields and the farmer who harrows and rolls the fields said I need lime.