One of the major advantages of a deferred grazing system is the allowance of the land and forages to rest and accumulate growth after they have been defoliated through grazing, without the risk of animals coming back and grazing them again before they have had the opportunity to regrow and replenish nutrient stores.

Overgrazing. The conversion of natural ecosystems to pasture land doesn’t damage the land initially as much as crop production, but this change in usage can lead to high rates of erosion and loss of topsoil and nutrients. Overgrazing can reduce ground cover, enabling erosion and compaction of the land by wind and rain. …

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Overgrazing by millions of sheep and goats is the primary cause of degraded land in the Mongolian Steppe, one of the largest remaining grassland ecosystems in the world, Oregon State University researchers say in a new report.

grazing animals in a forest reduce the number of grasses. if they are continue to graze,they can eat up almost every green thing within their reach. they cause a small amount of deforestation. if there are no grasses to hold the soil,during rain,the soil will be washed away.

Soil Health Benefits Grazing is a good place to start. Not only do the roots from cover crops drive increased organic matter in the soil, but the manure from the cattle provides an important soil health benefit and improves nutrient cycling.

Grazing management is the total process of organising livestock to make the best use of the pastures grown or managing the frequency and intensity that livestock graze pasture.

Through hoof action, pawing, and wallowing, grazing animals trample plants, break up soil surfaces, incorporate seed into the soil, and compact soils. Grazing animals contribute to nutrient cycling by depositing nitrogen-rich urine and dung, and their carcasses can provide an important contribution to the food web.

increased soil organic matter increases water available for plant growth. improved water infiltration. more nutrients available for plant growth. better soil conditions for germination, seedling establishment, vegetative reproduction and root growth.

There are FOUR basic keys to grazing management: stocking rate, livestock rotation, utilization rate, plant rest and recovery.

Rangelands include natural grassland, savannas, many wetlands, some deserts, tundra, and certain forb and shrub communities. Pastures are those lands that are primarily used for the production of adapted, domesticated forage plants for livestock.

Earthworms. Earthworms can substantially improve the quality and quantity of pasture production. Feeding and burrowing activities increase the cycling of soil nutrients and organic matter and are beneficial to soil structure.

Nutritional quality of pasture is typically measured by digestibility, protein and dry matter content which can all be influenced by crop nutrition. Dry Matter Content is the most variable and the least controllable. Low dry matter is often associated with wet weather and poor growing conditions.

Pasture quality has a major effect on performance of grazing animals. Intake and nutritive value of pasture are major determinants of liveweight gain, milk production, health and reproductive perfor- mance of livestock. Soil moisture has only minor direct effects on nutritive value.

The Best Soil for Your Forage

• Humus.
• What to do.
• Nutrients.
• Test first.
• Guideline.
• Lime.
• pH. Standard recommendations state that alfalfa should have a soil pH of 6.5 to 7 or 7.5, which is above the average for most crops (6.2 – 6.8).
• Seedbed. The best seedbed for forage establishment is firm and moist.

Most cattle pastures are a mix of legumes and grasses, but what mix and seeds are best for your cattle? If hay is a concern, Ladino clover (white) or red clover are good choices. Alfalfa is also a good choice if hay is your key concern.

Once your pasture is germinated and growing, the new plants need time to develop strong roots. Grow the pasture to flowering height, mow and bale, cutting as high as possible. Allow the pasture to regrow and then allow animals to graze.

Ryegrass- If alfalfa is the “Queen” of forages, ryegrass is the “King”. Perennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass that is palatable with high nutritive value. It has a long growing season and excellent yields with good fertility.

fescue