Getting high-quality silage starts with two key factors: clean swards; and efficient nitrogen use.

Combining Casper for weed control and Vixeran for nitrogen optimisation addresses two critical production constraints, delivering superior yields and forage quality.

The impact of weeds on yield and quality

Weeds steal resources and compromise silage quality. Docks, thistles, nettles, buttercups, and others, compete aggressively for water, nutrients and light – resources that should fuel grass growth.

Apart from yield loss, weeds introduce unpalatable material that livestock reject, reducing digestibility and impacting output.

Targeted weed control with Casper

Casper provides targeted, effective control of the main problem weed species in silage.

The result is a clean, uniform stand where every plant contributes to productive silage.

Clean swards also improve fermentation quality during ensiling – fewer weeds mean less contamination, better pH control, and reduced risk of secondary fermentation that causes spoilage and nutrient loss.

Nitrogen is the primary driver of grass growth, directly influencing both yield and protein content.

Restrictions around total nitrogen use combined with potential losses through leaching, volatilisation or immobilisation in the soil will impact the productivity of applied nitrogen.

Maximising nitrogen performance with Vixeran

Vixeran, a bacteria-based endophyte, draws nitrogen from the air and converts it into a form which can be utilised by plants, topping up the nitrogen available from the soil.

Independent trials work with Vixeran in the Nordics (16 trials from 2022 to 2024) has shown that a single application of Vixeran as grass begins to grow in spring will increase dry matter yield by 6.8% on the first cut and a further 8.5% on the second cut.

Two Irish trials in 2025 confirm this. Over the two sites, an average increase of 2.65t fresh yield across three silage cuts from a single application in April.

Stronger results when combined

The true power emerges when Casper and Vixeran work together.

Weed-free grass responds dramatically to optimised nitrogen, where every kilogram of nitrogen from the soil or the air drives productive grass growth rather than feeding unwanted species.

The optimum timing for both Casper and Vixeran is when temperatures are rising and growth takes off, usually in April.

Both products can be combined in a single application.