Vegetation Maintenance
Maintaining good vegetation is important to the health of a pasture. Good grass growth can suppress noxious weeds as well as make it difficult for some weeds to establish, resulting in an easier job for you. Frequently the 50% rule is discussed. In other words take half, leave half. Studies conducted in the 1980’s indicate that ranchers should leave closer to 60% of the above ground vegetation. The issue is that as more above ground vegetation is removed, the roots are impacted and begin to take up less space in the soil profile. As the above ground forage is reduced, sun light is able to reach more of the soil. As sun light is able to reach the soil surface and there are no roots growing in the soil in that area, noxious weeds have an easier time of establishing. Top growth removal also impacts how well the roots grow. For example if 90% of the top growth is taken, the roots stopped growing for 18 days. Whereas, with 40 – 50% of top growth removal, the roots were not impacted and continue to grow. This is why it is so important to manage the vegetation in your pasture, implement rotational grazing practices and reseed areas that have been depleted.
Reseeding is needed in some cases to enhance an overly grazed pasture or to return a farmed field into a livestock pasture. However, before you reseed evaluate the noxious weeds on the site. Taking a little extra time to address the weeds on the property, will increase the chance of success your grass seed has at establishing. Remember, the grass seed needs nutrients and moisture to begin to grow. Weeds that already have a root system will be better able to use the nutrients and moisture, making them unavailable for the grass seed.
Call the Weed Division at 970-304-6496 ext. 3770 to schedule an appointment with a Landowner Specialist. The Landowner Specialist will help you address the noxious weeds on your property, prior to your reseeding.
The following links may be of assistance to you in selecting grass species.