The rejuvenation options facing producers when their seeded pasture or hayland declines after the first few years need not be as dramatic as one might expect, says Al Foster, a forage development specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture.
“In older stands, the reduction in yield is often a result of a loss of the seeded species,” Foster said.
“The resulting low forage production may be related to pasture management.”
Producers can weaken their pastures and hay stands through overgrazing, cutting too frequently and grazing too early, he said, but solutions are available to counter these problems and improve production.
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For example, tame forage stands that still have a good proportion of seeded species can be improved immediately by fertilization.
“Grass pastures will respond well to nitrogen, whereas alfalfa hayland can be improved with phosphorus and sulfur,” he said.
“Other nutrients may also be limiting yield, so a balancing fertilizer application guided by a soil test is recommended.”
Pastures can be fertilized in late fall or early spring and profitability depends on soil moisture, the price of fertilizer and the value of the cattle and 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,” Foster said.
“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 said overseeding with a legume such as alfalfa or sweet clover onto existing pastures has resulted in legume establishment in projects in northeastern Saskatchewan during years when spring moisture was plentiful. However, the approach was unsuccessful during dry years.
The final option 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,” he said.
“On the down side, this is an expensive solution, but it is the surest way to reestablish tame forage.”
Once new pasture has been established, it is important to manage it properly to maintain its productivity as long as possible,” Foster added.
These are all viable options for tame forage stands. With 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.”
