Looking after my Fields

[xDENISEx]

I have for my 4 horses 2 winter paddocks and 2 summer paddock alltogther they have about 6-7 acres.

(Winter ones are smaller as they dont really like going out much!)

I need advise on how to care for my summer fields and winter fields really, to fertilise ( i do spray for ragwrot with Barrier H) in the spring months when i see it.

I really dont have the money to call someone in to do it and am happy to do some handy work myself, just not to sure on what to use?

I roatate the fields every month-ish (and harrow when the conditions are rite) to help them recover, they all come in for the nite so are only out int he field in winter for about 6 hours max and sometimes live out in the nice summer months. Any tips would be greatly recieved, thank you! Denise

 

[Arkmiido]

I fertilize with 20:10:10 in Spring and Autumn - I get a man in to do but it doesn't cost much to do 15 acres (about £80, plus cost of fertilizer, bought from Scats). I did have a farmer convince me that fertilizing with nitrogen would be better than 20:10:10 but the result wasn't nearly as good overall. Has really cut down the amount of hay and hard feed my guys have needed. Soil analysis is a good route to go down if you want to know what your land is deficient in. I also get my man to add grass seed into the fertilizer mix and go over any bald(ish) areas with that.
I also have the winter paddocks rolled in spring when the mud is getting squidgey. I have the fields sprayed with a weedkiller that kills broadleaf plants, like plantain, and thistles, docks etc... Topping the paddocks keeps on top of that too.
I also have the paddocks topped and harrowed regularly throughout the spring and summer to promote better grass growth. Plus rotating the fields!!
It works out far cheaper for me to get a local chap in with his little tractor, plus the fact that he has all the above attachments, rather than buying a tractor with everything and then maintaining it... (knowing me, I'd break it!)