Grazing Considerations for Sensitive Land

 
Spring marks the start of the grating cycle, but turning cattle out too early can reduce forage production later in the season.
 
•            Rule of Thumb: Wait until the four-leaf stage before grazing. At this point, plants have developed sufficient root reserves and leaf area for sustained growth.
•            Grazing too early can:
a.     Deplete root reserves
b.   Reduce photosynthetic capacity.
c.     Shorten the grazing season
 
IMPACT: Grazing one week too early can cost three weeks of fall grazing. This applies to both native and tame grass pastures.

 
Riparian Areas
 
Riparian zones - transition zone between water and upland-are highly sensitive in spring due to
excess moisture and hoof action.
 
•            Avoid early grazing to prevent soil compaction and water quality issues.
•            Limit grazing duration and frequency; allow recovery time.
•            Fence riparian areas separately for better management.
 
Protecting riparian areas helps maintain water quality and prevents soil compaction.
 
  

Salinity Management

 
Salinity is primarily a water management issue.
 
•            Plant deep-rooted perennials (e.g., alfalfa)  in recharge areas to reduce water movement into the water table
•           Use salt tolerant species {e.g., wheatgrass; tall fescue) in saline zones to improve soil conditions.
•            Soil Testing for Salinity is key for proper forage selection. Manage grazing in saline areas similar to riparian zones.

 
Native grasses grow slowly in spring.
 
•             Grazing before June 1 can reduce yield by up to 40%.
•             Delaying grazing until mid-June can increase productivity by 25% or more.
 
 

Importance of Rest

 
Forage plants need at least 30 days of rest to recover and replenish nutrient reserves.
 
•            Leave 2-6 inches of residue after grazing to maintain photosynthesis.
•            Overgrazing occurs when plants are grazed before recovery, weakening root systems.
  

Planning Ahead

 
Spring coincides with calving, when cattle have high nutritional needs.
 
•             Use sacrifice pastures with supplemental feed to reduce pressure on grass.
•            Stockpiled forage from the previous year is low in quality so plan for energy supplementation.  For more information see stockpiling forages.
•            Consider winter cereals or early grass varieties (e.g., crested wheatgrass) for early grazing.
•            Begin planning in summer and  fall  for next year's spring grazing strategy.