Aeration

Over time, livestock, horses, machinery and even heavy rain during the winter tend to compact the ground. This leads to reduced drainage and poor run-off, creating an environment which is favourable to weeds, moss and disease, resulting in less grass growth and unhealthy soil. When this happens, soil aeration will be required.

Soil Aeration reduces soil compaction and ensures better drainage. Aerated soil allows oxygen in and grass roots will penetrate deeper into the soil. This helps the plant to survive better during dry spells and become more productive.

Soil Aeration helps to reduce thatch which is made up of dead grass roots and stems that accumulate faster than they can break down. A build-up of thatch can create an environment that encourages weeds and disease. Penetrating and slitting the soil will create extra plant root mass and depth, as the plants are able to make use of locked-in nutrients, encouraging growth and productivity. In some cases, this may reduce the need for fertiliser.

Other benefits include plant development inside the aeration slits where new seed and roots can develop away from the birds and elements. Worm population increases, resulting in a faster break-down of dead, organic matter and dung.

Our aeration machines can be fitted with extra weight to penetrate and slit the heaviest ground. The machine width ensures access can be gained through small paddock gateways.

Paddocks and grassland will recover faster and last longer, if regularly aerated after periods of grazing or mowing. We recommend that soil aeration is carried out in the Spring and early Autumn, followed by harrowing with a spring tine grass harrow.