We have a 3 acre field that is used for sheep grazing appx 8 months of the year and left for a cut of hay the rest of the year. It is permanent pastureland, has a rich diversity of plants within it and makes superb meadow hay. However, this year ribwort plantain seems to have taken over.
We are just wondering whether this "invasion" will be to the detriment of other plants, including grass, and to future hay cuts. The hay is used for our sheep in the winter.
Sources suggest that this plant is palatable to sheep, is a good source of many minerals/elements and that sheep will graze it down to the ground. Will slight overgrazing control it? We only use chemicals on our land when we have to but will do so when necessary.
Any advice gratefully received.
Tavascarow
Joined: 06 Aug 2006 Posts: 8407 Location: South Cornwall
Have been told (on another forum) that it may be thriving due to a lot of yellow rattle. The rattle is parasitic, mainly on grasses, and if it becomes too frequent, the susceptible plants become weak and plants which can tolerate it can become very dominant. Ribwort is one of those. Also, cutting hay late encourages rattle because (unlike most other grassland plants) it's an annual, and if you cut it well after the seed has set (usually July), more and more will grow each year. Too much rattle changes the balance of plants, but it also reduces the yield.
The above is true of our field - the amount of rattle has increased the last few years and the hay has been cut late.
I think we will not do anything this year - see if the sheep can graze it down and hope for better weather and an earlier harvest next year. Let nature take its course and hope it re-balances the varieties of plants.
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