Spring Pasture Repairs

After several months of cold, wet weather, pastures that have been used look rough and will need to be repaired. Now is the time to consider implementing a plan to restore pasture productivity and promote sustainable grazing through the summer. This plan should include repairing hoof damage, seeding desirable species, applying herbicide as necessary, and rest.

In wet weather, heavily trafficked areas tend to have poor sod coverage as well as rough, uneven ground. The resulting jagged footing can cause injury to any class of horse, but it can be especially harmful to foals. These areas need to be leveled without causing further compaction to the soil. This can be accomplished with a chain harrow and/or an aerator when the soil moisture allows such fieldwork. Avoid using a flat roller, as this only serves to compact the soil.

Once the ground has been smoothed out, plan to fill in bare spots with seed. Seed can either be drilled or broadcasted, but make sure there is good seed to soil contact if broadcasting. Cool season grasses tend to take around 30 days to germinate, so plan to seed between late February and the end of March to give them time to establish before the summer heat.

While many people think of buttercups as a problem for late spring when the yellow flowers are widespread, the best time to eliminate them is actually early spring. Weeds take advantage of weak stands of grass and compacted soils, and both of these conditions are common in fields used throughout the winter. As always, spray when broadleaf weeds are young and growing. In the case of buttercups, this tends to be early to mid-March. Take note of any reseeding restrictions on herbicides, as this can impact planned spring seeding.

With spring comes a flush of growth to all fields. Fields that have been heavily used throughout the winter can regenerate best if allowed rest during this active growth period. Spring nitrogen applications are typically unnecessary for horse pastures, as they cause unwanted lushness and weed growth in the fields.

With the exceptionally dry fall, the pastures were underproducing going into winter. This meant the desirable grasses were struggling prior to winter use. After a season of cold, wet weather, it is crucial to repair fields to restore desirable grasses, prevent weed infestations, and provide sufficient grazing for all livestock.

Seasonal Tip:

Make sure to familiarize yourself with early growth stages of common pasture weeds in order to make timely herbicide applications.