Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
What producers should do when yields from seeded pastures or haylands naturally decline after the first few years need not be as dramatic as one might expect, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Forage Development Specialist Al Foster.
"In older stands, the reduction in yield is often a result of a loss of the seeded species. The resulting low forage production may be related to pasture management.
"Overgrazing, too frequent cutting, and grazing too early can all result in weakened pasture and hay stands," Foster says. "There are solutions to counter the effects of this phenomenon and options to improve production."
Tame forage stands that still have a good proportion of seeded species can be improved immediately by fertilization, explains Foster. "Grass pastures will respond well to nitrogen, whereas alfalfa haylands can be improved with phosphorus and sulphur. Other nutrients may also be limiting yield, so a balancing fertilizer application guided by a soil test is recommended."
Fertilizing can be done late this fall or early next spring. The profitability of fertilization is very dependant on soil moisture, the price of fertilizer and the value of the cattle or hay.
Other rejuvenation options, such as aeration, sod seeding and overseeding of legumes into grass stands, have also been tried with varying levels of success.
"Aeration has been tried in a number of demonstration projects in the Parkland region of the province, but has not resulted in significant yield increases," explains Foster. "On the other hand, sod seeding has worked where the existing vegetation has been killed with glyphosate prior to seeding, and in instances where suitable sod seeding equipment was used."
Foster points out that overseeding with a legume, such as alfalfa or sweet clover, onto existing pastures has resulted in some legume establishment in projects in the northeast during years when spring moisture has been plentiful. However, this approach was unsuccessful during dry years.
The final option that most producers should consider is to break and reseed the stand.
"This option is suitable for seeded pastures that have become weedy and have lost most of the desirable seeded species from the stand. On the down side, this is an expensive solution, but it is the surest way to re-establish tame forage.
"Once new pasture has been established, it is important to manage the stand properly to maintain its productivity as long as possible."
These are all viable options for tame forage stands. Keep in mind that, to improve native pasture, rest is usually what is needed most. "Lengthening the time between grazing and delaying turnout in the spring will increase the vigour and condition of native pastures," concludes Foster.
For more information, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
For more information, contact:
Al FosterForage Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 878-8890
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