andMr. MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if any research has been done on the direct seeding of Drumlin soils; and, if so, if he will state the results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drumlin Soils.
14.
Research carried out by An Foras Talúntais at Ballinamore, County Leitrim, has shown that drainage and surface seeding of pastures can lead to moderately high levels of grass production on Drumlin soils. However the utilisation of this grass is restricted by animal poaching and machine damage in periods of high rainfall, particularly at the beginning and end of the grazing season. Research emphasis is now aimed at developing animal production systems for Drumlin land that will exploit the grass output potential but give sufficient flexibility to cope with particularly wet seasons.
Is the Minister aware of the acute shortage of some strains of grasses for reseeding?
That is a separate question, but I was not aware that there was such a shortage.
There is in some areas, and seemingly there will be a greater demand in the years to come; with silo making the land will have to be reseeded more often. Will the Department ensure that there will be a sufficient quantity of grasses available for reseeding, because some of the popular strains are very scarce?
I was not aware of that, but I shall certainly look into it.