During periods of limited rainfall and high temperatures, pasture management becomes crucial for maintaining healthy forage plants and supporting the nutritional needs of grazing livestock. Implementing the following principles will help minimize risks and optimize long-term productivity:
- Take Half, Leave Half: Follow the principle of leaving residual leaf cover in pastures to facilitate continuous photosynthesis, energy capture, and soil shading for cool-season grasses. Maintain a minimum grazing height of four inches for species like tall fescue and orchard grass.
- Rest Periods: Allow pastures to recover by providing an adequate rest period between grazing passes. In the summer months, cool-season grasses exhibit slow growth, necessitating rest periods of 30 to 60 days or more, depending on temperature and precipitation.
- Rule of Thirds: When mowing, adhere to the "rule of thirds" by cutting no more than one-third of the total leaf area. Avoid excessively low mowing heights, which can lead to pasture decline, increased weed pressure, reduced soil moisture, and decreased soil productivity.
- Nitrate Accumulation and Prussic Acid Buildup: Prolonged dry weather can cause nitrate accumulation in plants and prussic acid buildup in certain forage species. Limit the rate of intake and gradually introduce livestock to new forage to mitigate potential poisoning risks. Consider forage testing and review protocols for species prone to prussic acid poisoning after drought or frost events.
By focusing on optimal mowing heights, rest periods, and mitigating risks associated with nitrate accumulation and prussic acid, pasture managers can safeguard forage health and enhance long-term productivity. Stay attentive to these considerations during challenging weather conditions to ensure effective pasture risk management.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Ohio, Livestock