Preparing healthy soils for multi-species swards

Healthy, well-structured soil is the foundation of successful multi-species swards. Good soil condition supports strong root development, nutrient cycling, biological activity and nitrogen fixation while also helping soils store water and carbon. 

Before investing in seed and establishment, it’s vital to assess your soil and address any limitations.  

Getting the basics right before sowing will set your multi-species swards up for long-term productivity, resilience and performance. 

Multi-species swards rely on a diverse range of species, each with different rooting depths and nutrient requirements. 

When soil structure, fertility and drainage are right, multi-species swards can: 

• Develop deeper, more resilient root systems 
• Improve soil structure, porosity and water infiltration 
• Increase soil organic matter and carbon storage 
• Fix nitrogen efficiently through legumes 
• Cope better with dry or wet conditions 

The key steps for preparing healthy soil for multi-species swards are: 

• Assess your soil 
• Review soil chemistry 
• Identify and manage weed pressure 

A soil assessment is the starting point for successful establishment. Use our GREATsoils resources to identify risks and priorities before sowing. 

Dig soil pits in at least 2–3 locations per field to a depth of 30–40 cm. 

Check: 

• Soil type: light/sandy, loam or heavy/clay – this will influence species choice 
• Drainage: look for grey–blue mottling, smearing or standing water in the profile 
• Soil structure: identify compaction, tight layers or restricted rooting 

If drainage is poor and can’t be improved before sowing, consider selecting more water-tolerant species such as red clover, plantain or alsike clover. 

If the soil is compacted, remedial action such as subsoiling, aeration or shallow cultivation may be needed before establishment.

Soil pH has a major influence on nutrient availability, clover performance and nitrogen fixation. 

Use recent soil test results (ideally from the current year) to check pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). 

Depending on your sward mix, aim for the following pH levels: 

• Grass–white clover swards: pH 6.0–6.5 
• Multi-species swards: tolerate up to pH 7.0 
• Nitrogen fixation: optimal at pH 6.5 and above 

Clover is particularly sensitive to acidity. Even small drops in pH can reduce nutrient uptake and suppress nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules. 

Follow RB209 guidance and seek advice from a FACTS-qualified adviser.