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Was the Pasture Overgrazed? If overgrazing has taken place at the critical time when storage of energy in the roots and crowns is taking place, then several disasters can occur. Of these, several come to mind, (1) the more palatable productive species may be reduced or disappear, (2) the number of plants may be reduced and carrying capacity reduced, and (3) weeds may become a problem. But if a pasture is not overgrazed during critical times of reserve storage of energy in the roots, then overgrazing may not effect the next season of production. Strategy of Management Stock growers all over the world know that during a drought stocking rate must be reduced. East pasturing area is different depending on the species of grasses and length of the grazing period. The cattle, sheep and horses have different grazing patterns and this changes the management. Many universities have ranch and pasture management extension education and research activities to help develop management strategies and tactics. The universities extension services and Natural Resources Conservation Service of the USDA can give excellent information and assistance. Private consultants also are available that specialize in this management. Different Grasses, Different Tactics Warm season grasses and cool season grasses need different tactics. The management systems are variable for native pastures and non-irrigated with introduced species. One management need is common for all the grasses, they must have a chance to store up energy in their roots to survive. The climate in different areas dictates the predominate native species of grass in the pasture. However, in the mid-south and central United States introduced species such as fescue are now the main pasture grass. In the northeastern areas, traditional grasses such as brome, perennial rye, and orchard grass are used as pasture grass. Each area and grass specie needs different handling after a prolonged drought. Options if Over Grazed An entire season of rest of grazing may be required for native grasses. This applies to blue stem grasses of the eastern great plains of the United States, or Blue Gramma and Buffalo Grass of the high plains of the U.S. and Canada. The rest period allows the re-seeding of the pastures after the plants have produced and deposited their natural seed production. The time of the next grazing period is then critical to get the seed production and develop the vigor and root structures of the remaining plants. The native ranges of the great plains do not respond to fertilization. The semi-desert ranging may require several years of rest and reduced grazing intensity to renew the potential for grazing. The pastures of the introduced species of grasses may need to be renovated and new seed introduced. In some cases, introduction of a legume in the mix will help supply nitrogen to these grasses. Fertilization of introduced grasses needs to be done with adequate soil testing. A demonstration test plot may be considered. One of the options is to split the pastures into smaller units to assist in controlling the grazing time. New electric fencing system have helped make this possible. Many times cattle will overgraze only a part of a pasture, depending on the water source and palatability of the grasses. This possibly can be overcome with splitting a pasture for rotation grazing. The down side of fencing is the capital and maintenance costs. Another option is to change the watering areas. Moving water from one area to another is now possible with solar pumps which can move the water in relays for a considerable distance. |
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