Two Effective Strategies for Reclaim Pastures Damaged by Livestock

By Andi Anderson

Hoof damage caused by livestock during winter can lead to significant disturbances in vegetation and soil structure, creating optimal conditions for weed growth. This article explores two effective approaches to reclaiming these areas and fostering healthy pastures.

Revegetation with Cool-Season Grasses and Legumes:

• Adapted Forage Species: Choose forages well-adapted to Kentucky's conditions, such as tall fescue, red clover, and ladino clover, for optimal pasture recovery.
• Consider Legumes: Leaving legumes out of the mix allows selective herbicide application for broadleaf weed control. Consult your local Extension Agent for herbicide recommendations.
• High Seeding Rate: Use the high end of the recommended seeding rate to ensure rapid canopy closure, suppressing summer annual weed germination.
• Early Planting: Initiate planting in early to mid-March for quick emergence and canopy formation before the onset of hot summer months.
• Plant in Two Directions: If drilling, plant in two directions at half the seeding rate to accelerate canopy closure.
• Shallow Seeding Depth: Small-seeded forages should not be planted deeper than ½ inch to promote uniform emergence.
• Weed Control: Apply herbicides once seedlings have four collared leaves, consulting label directions for proper use.
• Flash Graze New Stands: Conduct flash grazing before weeds establish, aiding in uniform grazing and minimizing weed competition.

Planting Warm-Season Annual Grasses:

• Adapted Summer Annuals: Choose species well-suited to Kentucky, such as sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet, and crabgrass.
• High Seeding Rate: Opt for the high end of the seeding rate range for rapid canopy closure.
• Plant After Soil Warms: Ensure soil temperatures are at least 60°F at planting for quick emergence.
• Broadleaf Weed Control: Apply herbicides once warm-season annual grasses are established, following label directions.
• Grazing Management: Implement proper grazing heights for optimal regrowth and forage quality.
• Haying Guidelines: Mow taller-growing summer annuals at optimal heights for yield and quality, avoiding close cuts for regrowth.
• Fall Reseeding: Spray non-selective herbicide in late summer, then use a no-till drill to plant cool-season grasses into the killed pasture area.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoomtravels