Grazing Systems
Learning Objectives
The learner will:
- Understand the ecology of pastures and key biological attributes of pasture plants.
- Learn to identify important pasture species.
- Become familiar with grazing systems that build or maintain soil fertility and pasture diversity.
- Learn how to calculate and manage forage production.
- Learn strategies for extended season grazing and winter feeding.
- Learn how to manage hay fields as part of the pasture rotation.
Pasture Ecology
- Biotic diversity
- Functional roles of different plant groups
- Grasses fine, fibrous roots hold and build soil
- Legumes fix nitrogen
- Other plants (chicory) have deep taproots to keep soil open deeper down
- Plant that scavenge and accumulate certain minerals or compounds are important to the health of livestock and wildlife
- Below ground productivity, diversity (more livestock below than above) greater than in annual cropping systems
- Grassland plants and herbivory
Pasture Renovation
- Establishment vs. Improving existing pastures
- Establishment expensive and takes time: tilling, seeding, weed management, no grazing until plants well established
- Drilling or broadcasting / harrowing into existing pastures
Forage Production
- Seasonal growth curve
- How to calculate forage production using small plots
- Warm season vs. cool season species
- Pasture mixes: legumes, grasses, and "weeds"
- Stockpiling
- Rotational Grazing Systems
Management Intensive Grazing (MIG)
- Some History: Andre Voisin, Allan Savory, Joel Salatin
- Stubble Height: no less than 3-4"
- Rest periods: depend on season
- Fencing
- Water
- Minerals
- Labor requirements
Fertility Management
- Root production and die-off plays key role in maintaining fertility
- Nutrient cycling:
- Livestock return most nutrients to the soil:
- 70% of what goes in comes out again
- Phosphorous and minerals returned through manure
- Nitrogen and potassium returned through urine
- Manure / compost / compost tea applications
- Timing important
- Good to know what's in manure or compost
- Recycle winter feed if possible
- Tea cost effective way to cover lots of ground
- Mineral may be required
- Avoid dolomite lime
- Gypsum good for this area (helps increase Ca:Mg ratio)
- Other mineral sources
Winter Feed
- Hay production from pastures (spring cutting)
- Hay vs. silage
- Feeding facilities/areas: considerations
Assessment/Review
- Describe forage plants you would hope to find in a healthy perennial pasture.
- How do you measure forage production?
- Describe nutrient cycling in pastures.
- What is Management Intensive Grazing?
References:
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)
Website:
http://attra.ncat..org/.
Gerrish, J. 2004. Management-intensive Grazing.
Green Park Press, Ridgeland, MS. 320
pp.
Salatin, J. 1995. Salad Bar Beef.
Polyface, Inc., Swoope, VA. 368 pp.
Savory, A, and J Butterfield. 1999. Holistic Management.
Island Press, Covelo, CA. 616
pp.
Voisin, A. 1959. Grass Productivity.
Philosophical Library, Inc., New York, NY. 353 pp.
Voisin, A. 1959. Soil, Grass, and Cancer.
Philosophical Library, Inc., New York, NY.
370 pp.
«« Back to Intern Curriculum
Back to top |
