Sandy soil grazing - can you get the grass really thick?

[kit279]

Having just bought some sandy soil-type land, I was wondering if I can get it to the sort of amazing springy clay-based dairy grazing that we currently have now which is amazing to ride on. I know I probably won't be able to get hay off it but just wondering if there's any way to make it grow really well. Currently the grazing is good, no weeds and nice and flat but not really a thick sward.

Any pointers? Keen to get it going soon!

 

[mattilda]

Well we are on sandy soil and have excellent grazing. Never having seen clay based grass I can't give you a comparison. We don't do an awful lot with ours. It is topped a couple of times a year and we usually spray for ragwort in April. We have around 9 acres and graze 4/5 horses year round.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

if your horses arent uses to sandy soil (and even if used to it) dont graze down too short as they can get sand colic in dry weather. if you have time to rest parts then a good liberal application of good old farm yard manure!