First, you have to know what you are working with. You need to know your pasture’s soil type, amount of fertilizer that may be needed, and grasses and legumes that are already present in the field. These three things will help you decide if you need to renovate or establish and also what needs to be added or not added to the field. Once you have reviewed the current situation, you can then proceed accordingly.
Plants need to be matched to soil types. There are many factors in looking at soils, such as water-holding capacity, slope, and internal drainage. Proper soil fertility is another important factor when deciding which grass and/or legume to place in a pasture. The wrong pH or poor nutrient can limit forage growth and encourage weed development. Thick forage coverage is the best management against weed establishment. A simple soil test can indicate appropriate liming and fertilizer needs. Legumes, such as clover or alfalfa, can increase nitrogen bases to pastures. Legumes also add high protein count to hay cuttings or pastures. Inoculation of legume seed should be done to improve proper nodulation.
Other important ideas to keep in mind:
• Match plants to intended use.
• Select high-quality seed varieties.
• Control pests.
• Seed at the right time of year with the correct seeding rate.
Online resources:
• University of Tennessee forage publications www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pastures/default.asp
• University of Kentucky forage publications www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/ForagePublications.htm
• Mississippi State Forage Publications msucares.com/crops/forages/index.html
• Virginia Tech forage publications www.ext.vt.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Docs.woa/wa/getcat?cat=ir-cg-fo
We also recommend you view our lesson on Equine Pasture Management.
