Fall is the ideal time of year to assess pastures to distinguish what actions may be warranted. This includes renovating and restoring pastures. Both approaches aim to maintain a dynamic ecosystem that is constantly changing based on weather, grass height management and fertility.
Renovation is often necessary if the pasture has been predominately weeded, severely overgrazed and/or most of the grass has been lost. It is costly in terms of inputs, labour and time. It involves the complete destruction and subsequent establishment of a pasture.
For a less drastic approach, many pastures just need some restoration such as fertilizing, liming, weed control and improving the movement of animals through the pasture to control grass height.
The following are considerations to apply when restoring pastures back to productivity:
Soil Management
• Soil testing, applying lime, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium will increase growth, recovery rates and winter hardiness
• Applying manure on top before or after no-till seeding makes an excellent fertility source
• Liming reduces soil acidity and increases nutrient availability
Weed Control
• Clipping just before over-seeding or total renovation will allow increased light penetration to aid germination and promotes uniform growth of new seedings
• Thicken existing stands and produce new seedings quicker by removing excess fodder
Movement of Animals
• Select a species adapted to your soil types and management practices
• Balance the number of animals with available forage supply
• Moving animals is a part of a rotational grazing system that prevents repeated grazing of regrowth
Take the time to evaluate the condition of your pastures and decide upon a plan of action to keep them producing the desired quantities of high-quality forages. In the end, the main goal is to maintain a robust grass ecosystem that provides and supports healthy animals with quality feed.