Reseeding a grassland is a major technical and economic decision. With an average cost of around 600 €/ha depending on seed type and soil preparation, farmers expect rapid establishment, strong biomass production and a high-quality first silage cut. Securing grassland establishment is therefore not only an agronomic objective, but also a key profitability driver.
The first silage cut largely conditions the economic performance of a reseeded pasture. Differences in dry matter yield at first cut can significantly impact the cost per tonne of silage, with variations reaching up to 60 €/t of dry matter depending on yield level.
A slow establishment delays the first grazing or silage opportunity and increases exposure to weeds. Conversely, rapid grass establishment improves early dry matter yield, forage quality, stand density and competitiveness, as well as long-term grassland persistence.
For farmers searching for solutions to improve grassland productivity, focusing on early biomass accumulation and uniform emergence is essential.
Spring and late summer are generally preferred periods for grass reseeding. Moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall promote seed germination and early root growth.
Insufficient soil moisture or excessive heat can slow emergence, reduce plant density and compromise the success of the new ley.
Species selection strongly affects establishment speed. Fast-growing species such as Italian ryegrass establish quickly, while others like fescue develop more slowly and may be less competitive against weeds.
When establishment is delayed, undesirable species can colonise the field, reducing forage quality and shortening grassland lifespan. For farmers looking to improve pasture renovation success, species choice must be aligned with local conditions and production goals.
Rapid germination and active root development directly influence biomass production. Water and light are essential to support hormone production and early plant growth.
Optimising early nutrition near the seed zone enhances seedling vigour, promotes uniform emergence and accelerates canopy closure. This is a decisive lever to improve grassland establishment and limit weed pressure.
A strong and well-developed root system is central to both establishment and regrowth. After cutting or grazing, grasses mobilise energy reserves stored in their roots to restart shoot growth.
The relationship between initial root energy and shoot dry matter production clearly shows that higher root reserves support stronger regrowth.
For farmers aiming to improve grass regrowth after silage or grazing, investing in root development from the earliest stages is essential. A robust root system also contributes to better nutrient uptake, improved drought tolerance and enhanced grassland longevity.
Positioning specific nutritional solutions close to the seed at sowing can stimulate root growth and accelerate young plant development. Trial results have shown increases in establishment speed and yield compared to untreated plots.
Additional demo results reported an average yield increase of 0.5 t DM/ha, confirming the importance of optimised early nutrition in grassland reseeding strategies.
By combining appropriate species choice, adapted sowing conditions and targeted starter fertilisation, farmers can secure grass establishment, increase first cut yield and improve the overall profitability of their pasture renovation.
At the end of winter, crop development often appears slow above ground. Yet beneath the surface, decisive processes are already underway. Soil biological activity gradually resumes, root systems reactivate, and the first nutrient fluxes begin to support the upcoming phase of rapid growth. At this stage, nutrient availability is not solely determined by the quantity of elements present in the soil, but by the quality of interactions between roots, microorganisms and soil structure.
Winter conditions significantly influence nutrient behaviour in the soil. Low temperatures reduce microbial activity, slowing down the mineralisation of organic matter and the transformation of nutrients into plant-available forms. Excess moisture can further limit oxygen availability, affecting both root respiration and microbial processes.
As temperatures rise towards the end of winter, soil microorganisms progressively regain activity. This reactivation plays a central role in releasing nitrogen from organic pools, mobilising phosphorus bound to soil particles and improving the circulation of micronutrients. However, this process remains uneven and highly dependent on soil structure, aeration and biological balance.
Roots are not simple uptake organs. They act as dynamic interfaces capable of modifying their immediate environment. Through root exudates, plants stimulate microbial populations that contribute to nutrient solubilisation and exchange. These biochemical signals enhance the availability of phosphorus, iron, zinc and other elements that are otherwise poorly mobile in the soil.
At the end of winter, maintaining functional and active root systems is therefore essential. Roots that have been weakened by waterlogging, compaction or nutrient imbalances may struggle to restart efficiently, limiting early nutrient uptake even when soil reserves are adequate.
Soil structure strongly influences soil–root interactions. Well-structured soils promote gas exchange, water infiltration and root exploration, creating favourable conditions for microbial life. Conversely, compacted or poorly aerated soils delay biological reactivation and restrict root development.
Preserving biological continuity throughout winter also supports nutrient availability in late winter. Soils rich in organic matter and microbial diversity tend to respond more rapidly to rising temperatures, ensuring a smoother transition between winter dormancy and spring growth.
At this stage of the season, the challenge is not to accelerate growth artificially, but to secure nutrient accessibility in line with plant physiology. Balanced nutrition strategies should aim to support root activity, stimulate beneficial microbial processes and improve nutrient use efficiency.
By focusing on soil–root interactions rather than solely on nutrient supply, it becomes possible to reduce losses, optimise uptake and prepare crops for the high-demand phases that follow. This approach contributes not only to early vigour, but also to the long-term resilience and performance of cropping systems.
The arrival of spring marks a major change in the diet of ruminants. After several months of winter rations distributed indoors, turning out to pasture brings about a rapid change in the environment and nutritional intake. This transition is a period of physiological stress for the animal, during which the rumen is put under considerable strain.
Young spring grass is characterized by a high water content, soluble sugars, and rapidly fermentable nitrogen. This composition promotes accelerated digestive transit and can cause disorders such as diarrhea or reduced feed intake. It also alters mineral balances, notably by decreasing the magnesium/potassium ratio, which can limit the assimilation of certain essential trace elements.
At the beginning of grazing, the soluble nitrogen content of grass can be significantly higher than that of more mature forage. This massive influx of readily available nitrogen disrupts the balance of the rumen flora and promotes ammonia production.
When this ammonia is not properly utilized by rumen microorganisms, it accumulates and must be converted by the liver into urea, at a significant energy cost to the animal. These imbalances can result in liver overload, increased nitrogen losses, and repercussions on overall health. The consequences observed include reproductive disorders, increased urea in milk, increased susceptibility to mastitis, and deterioration in body condition.
The success of the transition to grazing depends largely on rigorous pasture management. The start must be made on sufficiently developed grass, with an appropriate height, good soil bearing capacity, and controlled grazing pressure to avoid overgrazing and excessive ingestion of very young grass.
At the herd level, a gradual dietary transition phase is essential. A gradual introduction to grazing, initially limited to a few hours per day, allows the rumen to adapt to new fermentable substrates. Maintaining an effective fiber intake, via hay or straw available for self-service, helps stabilize ruminal pH and ensure safe ingestion.
The transition to grass profoundly alters microbial activity in the rumen. To optimize the utilization of grass proteins, it is essential to promote good synchronization between available nitrogen and fermentable energy. A balanced ruminal flora helps limit ammonia spikes, improve microbial protein synthesis, and support feed efficiency.
This gradual adaptation of the microflora determines the animal’s ability to take full advantage of the nutritional richness of spring pastures, while limiting the risk of digestive or metabolic disorders.
Grazing places high demands on the metabolic, immune, and reproductive functions of ruminants. Young grass, although nutritionally rich, can be deficient in minerals and trace elements. Paying particular attention to magnesium, phosphorus, and micronutrient intake helps limit the risk of hypomagnesemia, supports enzyme activity, and supports increased production or growth.
An appropriate mineral balance also contributes to maintaining fertility, resistance to infection, and stable performance at the start of the season.
A controlled transition to spring grazing allows for optimal grass utilization, animal welfare, and zootechnical performance. By anticipating dietary changes, preparing the rumen, and supporting the animals’ gradual adaptation, the farmer ensures a smooth start to the season and lays the foundation for sustainable herd management throughout the year.
The natural abundance of elements in the soil does not always mean they are available for plants. Bioavailability refers to the amount of an element that a plant can absorb, usually the portion dissolved in the soil solution. Various factors such as temperature, oxygen levels, pH, organic matter content, and soil water content influence the bioavailability of these elements. Sometimes, elements are not immediately available but are protected by organic matter or other soil components.
Increasing the bioavailability of nutrients in soil is more effective than simply adding more fertilizers. This approach not only protects the soil but also reduces the overall amount of fertilizers needed by farmers.
The availability of nutrients in the soil is closely linked to pedo-climatic parameters. Changes in temperature, oxygen levels, pH, organic matter, and soil water can significantly impact nutrient bioavailability.
TIMAC AGRO focuses on protecting elements from retrogradation and increasing the mineralization of organic matter in the soil. This ensures that nutrients remain available for plants, promoting healthier and more sustainable crop production.
By understanding and managing these factors, we can improve the bioavailability of nutrients, ensuring that plants get the necessary elements for growth without over-relying on fertilizers. This not only benefits the crops but also helps in maintaining soil health for the future.
Our technologies Calcimer, Mescal, Top-Phos, D-Coder, MPPA Duo, N-Process, Minactiv, Physactiv, Phéoflore, Rhizovit LCN, Min’up, Inrizza, Enrgero and Tuval have proven actions towards increasing bioavailability of nutrients.
These actions are in line with the @GroupeRoullier CSR Comitments to make our products more sustainable and contribute to fighting climate change.
At TIMAC AGRO, the environmental impact of our industry is one of our top priorities. For over 20 years, TIMAC AGRO has been a pioneer in the field of renewable energies.
We have integrated innovative solutions to reduce our ecological footprint: biomass. Biomass is a renewable resource derived from organic matter (forestry chips, forestry by-products) transformed into thermal energy.
By replacing fossil gas with biomass in our pellet plants located in France, Brazil, Austria, Belgium and Spain, we avoid the emission of over 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ every year. This is part of our commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of our industry while actively contributing to the energy transition.
This transition continues with the inauguration of the 9th biomass boiler in TIMAC AGRO’s industrial park in December 2024, at the Zone Industrielle factory in Saint-Malo. This project is part of our global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of cutting emissions by 15% by 2030 on scopes 1 & 2 . With a capacity of 4 MW, this biomass boiler will cover around 80% of the thermal needs of the Saint-Malo site, replacing gas consumption. It will reduce emissions by over 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Biomass is sourced locally, within a 150 km radius of Saint-Malo, and is based on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified wood, guaranteeing sustainable and respectful forest management.
At TIMAC AGRO we will continue to innovate and invest to limit our environmental footprint while meeting the essential needs of our industry and our customers.
Since 1985, TIMAC AGRO has worked with passion and expertise to help breeders meet the challenges of sustainable, high-performance livestock production. This year, we celebrate 40 years of innovation, proximity and solid partnerships, marking an important milestone in our company’s history.
In the 1980s, when agriculture was undergoing profound changes, TIMAC AGRO identified a growing need for technical support to improve the quality of life of animals and optimize farm performance. In 1985, TIMAC AGRO set up its Animal Production department to provide innovative, customized solutions tailored to farmers’ needs and local conditions.
Over the decades, TIMAC AGRO has developed unique expertise in animal nutrition. By collaborating with researchers, institutes and agricultural partners, we have developed high value-added solutions. These innovations, whether nutritional supplements, welfare enhancers or adapted programs, aim to reconcile economic performance with respect for the environment.
TIMAC AGRO’s success in livestock production is based above all on the proximity and trust established with our farmers. Our Field Representatives are present on a daily basis to understand the needs of each operation, propose appropriate solutions and support their implementation. This human commitment is a fundamental pillar of our approach.
As we celebrate 40 years of history, we remain focused on the future. The sustainability of animal production is at the heart of our concerns, and we continue to innovate to meet the challenges of tomorrow: improving breeding techniques, reducing their environmental impact and contributing to the resilience of the agricultural sector.
This year, we would like to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to this wonderful adventure: our passionate employees, our committed partners and, of course, the breeders who put their trust in us. Together, we have written a rich and inspiring history, and we are proud to continue moving forward hand in hand to build an ambitious future.
Mustafa Çetiner is a well-known TIMAC AGRO representative in his country, Turkey. However, it wasn’t the case: he changed career, learnt from his early days as a representative, and patiently built strong relationships with farmers. He’s now a top TIMAC AGRO representative, and an example of strong determination paying off.
How did you come to TIMAC AGRO?
I made the life-changing decision of quitting my 7 years’ career as a banker to pursue the job I had studied and majored in, as an agricultural engineer. I’ve been working at TIMAC AGRO Avrasya for 3 years now, as a representative in Çumra district in South Konya region, a district where polyculture farming is practiced, and where corn’ and sugarbeet’ cultivation is preeminent.
What was your biggest challenge?
When I first started my job as a representative for TIMAC AGRO Avrasya, there were reports about shutdown in my region, and people were saying that no work could be done. At that time, there weren’t any managers above me.
There was also a trust issue with TIMAC AGRO, and I finished my first year with little to no results. It was really frustrating.
What was the turning point for you?
We first decided to address the trust issue in the region with the contributions of the recently appointed Business Unit Manager, Andaç Avşar, and my Regional Manager, Raziye Yetiş.
The process was long: we focused on durable relations. Our discussions with the farmers slowly started giving results after a while: my relationships became stronger and my visits to the field were more frequent. I listened to the farmers and made solving their problems my top priority. Instead of visiting different farmers in different farms every day, I took the decision to visit the same farms again and again. I patiently kept on with my visits to the same farms, until we found, together with the farmers, the best solutions to their problems.
How’s the work nowadays?
All those farmers’ visits, and our work on TIMAC AGRO’s notoriety, on bringing our knowledge to the fields, started paying off. I started receiving more and more demands from the farmers, and each day I receive new demands, new questions.
Nowadays, TIMAC AGRO Avrasya is known and trusted in my region. Farmers know they can call me to get ideas! We are on the way to reach more farmers day by day and become even more useful.
TIMAC AGRO and CFAO will join forces in the TIMAC AGRO Kenya joint venture. TIMAC AGRO will acquire 51% of CFAO Agri Kenya, which benefits from a unique positioning in Kenya as it develops, produces and distributes branded crop plant nutrition solutions. By combining TIMAC AGRO’s expertise in plant nutrition with CFAO’s knowledge of Africa, TIMAC AGRO Kenya forms the starting point of an ambitious and sustainable partnership designed to support East African farmers enhance crop quality and yields.
TIMAC AGRO Kenya: Combining CFAO’s local knowledge with TIMAC AGRO’s expertise in plant nutrition
CFAO Agri Kenya is a subsidiary of CFAO, a leading African distributor. Present in Africa for more than 170 years, CFAO employs nearly 21 000 people, enjoys access to 46 of the continent’s 54 markets and has extensive experience developing partnerships with industrial players. A global innovation specialist in soil and plant nutrition and animal production, TIMAC AGRO creates high-tech solutions. The company has 40 subsidiaries worldwide.
Many farmers across Kenya are familiar with the Baraka Fertilizer brand and its products adapted specifically to the Kenyan soil and local crops (maize, potato, tea, coffee, sugar cane, rice…). The brand’s image is deeply rooted in the local context and takes advantage of an innovative distribution strategy. The joint venture aims to pursue the development of Baraka Fertilizer by adding the more specific and bespoke TIMAC AGRO solutions to address the nutrition requirements of other segments such as vegetable crops. Its ambition is to expand the product range to include granules, liquids, water-soluble products, etc.
Supporting the effective adoption of these new technologies requires the development of a network of field representatives. Their role will be assessing the specific needs of farmers and offering bespoke advice adapted to crop challenges. This development will enable TIMAC AGRO Kenya to innovate in a rapidly evolving market where 90% of fertilisation is still dependent on imported and unprocessed raw materials.
Finally, TIMAC AGRO Kenya will capitalise on a highly functional industrial unit, developed by CFAO Agri, with a production capacity of 150,000 tonnes per annum. The unit is located in Eldoret, in the heart of Kenya’s breadbasket, a market with great potential.
Beyond Kenya, the joint venture ambitions to serve as a platform for development in neighbouring East African markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
TIMAC AGRO Kenya: improving the yield and quality of Kenyan farmers’ crops while building local capabilities
The agricultural sector, which employs 80% of the rural population, is one of the pillars of the Kenyan economy. Thanks to its expertise in soil and plant nutrition, TIMAC AGRO Kenya will bring concrete solutions to local farmers. Indeed, Kenyan soils are relatively rich but acidic (pH varying between 3 and 5), except in the more volcanic regions. The potential for improvement through better farming practices and the use of high-tech solutions is significant. It will enable local farmers to enhance the yields and quality of crops to feed the population and improve export competitiveness.
Furthermore, changing climatic conditions are an issue in Kenya, as almost all the country’s agricultural production is rainfed. The increasing incidence of drought and irregular rainfall could considerably impact agri production, which accounts for 25% of GDP and feeds a growing[1] population.
This comprehensive offering from TIMAC AGRO Kenya is entirely in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It will enable cash crop farmers, who play an essential role in Kenya’s export balance, to enhance their competitiveness. It will also help smallholder farmers improve their farming practices including the yields and therefore their income.
“We are extremely proud of the partnership established today between TIMAC AGRO and CFAO. Our goal is to transform Kenya’s dynamic and diversified agriculture that benefits from significant local skills. In the long run, we aim to provide East African farmers with an all-round, locally produced offer covering nutrition, water, and energy. Our shared ambition is strong: we want to contribute to the consolidation of agriculture in the region and provide farmers with concrete solutions. A great adventure is about to begin,” commented Karina Kuzmak, CEO of Global TIMAC AGRO
“The CFAO Group is pleased to launch this Joint Venture. Building on TIMAC AGRO’s global experience and expertise in soil and plant nutrition, TIMAC AGRO Kenya will consolidate CFAO Agri’s initial development in Kenya. It will continue to provide highly innovative solutions for the development of agriculture in Kenya and several East African countries,” added Richard Bielle, Chairman and CEO of CFAO.
[1] Figures sourced from: IFAD https://www.ifad.org/fr/web/operations/w/pays/kenya
Perennial fruit crops do not benefit from crop rotation and therefore from soil regeration. Moreover, alternate bearing is a well-known phenomenon in fruit trees that is characterized by a biennial pattern (great yield in year N and lower yield in year N+1). It is the farmer’s aim to manage soil fertility and provide high quality fertilizers to avoid draining a tree’s resources during the spring to ensure healthy vegetative regrowth.
A stellar spring start can be impacted by the severity of the winter the tree faced (mild, rainy, etc.) and by the previous year’s yield. In fact, fruit trees can remobilize storage reserves in their perennial organs to face winter and thus be weakened to support early growth. Fruit trees have great needs in the spring in order to ensure root growth and healthy leaves and flowers. The main two sources of N at this stage are root uptake and internal N cycling. N supply can fortify and sustain growth in the spring.
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in fruit trees, as it is a component of several organic compounds (amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids) and chlorophyll. Nitrogen requirements vary among young orchards and mature orchards:
– Young trees need N for rapid growth to reach mature tree size
– Mature orchards need N regarding fruit and leaf development.
Nitrogen dynamics in trees must be considered at the level of the ecosystem. Trees can face competition with grass covering or N losses by leaching and volatilization. The regulation of N uptake varies according to the organ needs. When shoots have high demand of N, roots N uptake increases, on the contrary low shoot demand for N leads to internal N cycling.
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TIMAC AGRO has a specific technology with an organo-mineral matrix structure encapsulating urea and ammonium. This encapsulation allows both quick N release (ammonium) and gradual release (urea must be hydrolyzed into NH4+ to pass through the matrix and to be nitrified in nitrates). This technology provides immediate and long-term N to the tree and limits losses into the environment (less volatilization and lixiviation).
Contact your local TIMAC AGRO to learn how you can set your trees up for a successful spring!
How can you better manage the turnout period for your ruminants?
The beginning of a turn-out period is critical in the life of a cow. This is a period of stress, linked to the quick change in diet and environment. The young spring grass is often rich in water, soluble sugars and nitrogen. This promotes the acceleration of transit and diarrhea. Consequently the Mg/K rate will decrease which creates a poor absorption of trace elements essential for the proper functioning of the body.
BEST PRACTICES
Forage quality may vary depending on the weather and the season. Indeed, the climatic conditions of summer +/- favourable can have an impact on the availability of trace elements and minerals in the pasture. On the other hand the young spring grass will contain a high level of soluble nitrogen. This high nitrogen input can cause an imbalance of rumen microorganisms (like protozoa) and increase the ammonia production quickly.
If not managed, this high volume of soluble nitrogen can lead to various health issues as indicated.
WHERE DOES GOOD GRASS MANAGEMENT BEGIN?
First of all, best turnout practices begin with pasture management: when starting, grass height should be greater than 7cm; there should be a bearing floor; a minimum of 25 acres per cow; and no grazing on grass that is less than 5cm high. Then comes herd management through a 3-week long feeding transition, the gradual exit of the animals,
the provision of self-service hay/straw; a balanced nutrient intake; and a product to manage ammonia.
Self-service TIMAC AGRO technologies can decrease ammonia production in the rumen, prevent the loss of urea, optimize grass protein, along with many other benefits for muscle development, fertility, and immunity.
Contact your local TIMAC AGRO representative to find out how your herd can have a top-notch turnout!
