Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Redfearn Says Careful Pasture Management Key to Drought Damage Recovery

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:42:35 CDT

Redfearn Says Careful Pasture Management Key to Drought Damage Recovery

Warm late winter temperatures and abundant rainfall have given pastures a head start with early growth. OSU's Dr. Daren Redfearn tells us what to expect from summer pastures this year:


We have observed a very early green up this spring for nearly all of our summer pastures. Some of these may have even come out of dormancy as early as late February. In most cases, this is 3 or 4 weeks earlier than normal.

Likewise, those Old World bluestem and weeping lovegrass pastures have begun growth and many of the seed in the seed bank have germinated and emerged. Caution must be used with chemical weed control and grazing management if these pastures are expected to fully recover.

Overall, it is too early to determine the success of summer pasture recovery until we have completed at least the first part of the growing season. In years with more normal rainfall, we generally observe the majority of the production from our introduced grass pastures will have occurred by early- to mid-July. Thankfully, we have had above average precipitation in many areas, as well as above-average temperatures. However, the early grass growth has slowed in many areas due to cooler temperatures that are more normal for this time of year.

Proper weed control is still the most important recovery issue. In addition to the numerous broadleaf weeds that are actively growing, there are many acres of summer pastures that were successfully over-seeded with small grains or annual ryegrass. Since they summer grasses began their growth early this year, it is important to reduce the competition from these as well. This is best accomplished through haying and grazing. However, do not eliminate mowing as an option.

Pasture fertility needs should also be addressed. This is especially true if soil P is deficient. It is critical to remember the importance of proper soil testing.

Due to the early growth, it is important that grazing be delayed at least until the summer grasses have 5 to 6 inches of new growth and are actively growing. The importance of delayed grazing has been addressed in other Plant and Soil Sciences Newsletter articles.

For severely drought-damaged pastures, continued recovery is the only reasonable option. These pastures may require 1 year or longer to fully recover from the effects of the drought.

For moderately drought-damaged pastures, the focus should center on recovery during the early part of the growing season followed by management for production and utilization as the pastures begin to show signs of recovery. These pastures may require 2 to 3 months to fully recover from the effects of the drought.

Slightly drought-damaged pastures can be managed normally focusing primarily on increasing production potential. These pastures should fully recover in 2 months or less from the effects of the drought.

The most important thing to remember is that any forage response to management is going to depend almost entirely on moisture. However, moisture alone cannot cure the long-term drought effects on plants. Proper management is the best long-term approach to recovery.

Click here for the OSU Extension website.


   

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.