Management of Native Pasture

Anatomy and Physiology of Management of Native Pasture

• Native pastures are widespread globally, particularly in regions dominated by natural grasslands
• These pastures exist often with minimal human intervention
• This is crucial for extensive livestock production systems

Soil and Vegetation

• The soil characteristics of native pastures vary widely
• This ranges form fertile loamy soils to poor degraded soils with low organic matter content
• Soil fertility plays a critical role in determining the productivity of native pastures
• Nutrient availability directly influences plant growth and the quality of forage

Vegetation

• Vegetation in native pastures is diverse
• This typically involves a mix of grasses, forbs and shrubs

Dominant Forage

• Common dominant forage species include
• Panicum spp. (Guinea grass)
• Bothriochloa spp. (Red grass)
• Andropogon spp. (Bluestem)
• Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffelgrass)
• Aristida spp. (Threeawn grass)

Potential of Pastures

• Native pastures support a wide range of flora and fauna, promoting ecological stability
• Native pastures need minimal fertilization and irrigation, making them cost-effective, unlike improved pastures
• Native species are well-adapted to the prevailing climatic and soil conditions
• This ensures resilience to droguht and other enviormnetal stresses
• Native pastures can support sustainable grazing systems when properly managed
• This will enhance livestock health and productivity

Limitations of Pastures

• Native pastures often yield lower biomass, limiting carrying capacity, compared to improved pastures
• Poor soil fertility may result in low-quality forage with inadequate protein and energy content
• Uncontrolled grazing can lead to degration, reducing pasture quality and leading to soil erosion
• Weedy species and woody encroachment can outcompete native forage species, reducing pasture productivity

Stocking Control

• Stocking control is essential in maintaining the health and sustainability of native pastures
• Proper stocking rates ensure that forage demand does not exceed supply, preventing overgrazing and land degradation

Strategies for Stocking Control

• Dividing pasture into sections and rotating livestock to allow forage regrowth
• Adjusting livestock numbers based on seasonal forage availability
• Allowing specific areas to recover by temporarily excluding livestock
• Regular assessment of forage production to determine appropriate stocking rates

Burning

• Prescribed burning is a traditional management practice used to maintain native pastures
• Controlled fires help in reducing excess biomass by removing accumulated dead plant material to encourage new growth
• Controlled fires also help in controlling invasive species by suppressing woody plant encroachment and maintaining open grasslands
• Improving forage quality by stimulating the growth of palatable and nutritious forage species
• Enhancing soil fertility by Releasing nutrients locked in organic material

Legume Overseeding

• Introducing legumes into native pastures can improve forage quality and soil fertility
• Legumes enhance pasture productivity by:
• Increasing soil nitrogen availability and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers
• Providing High-Protein Forage: Improving livestock nutrition and weight gain
• Enhancing Pasture Resilience: Increasing biodiversity and promoting drought resistance

Common Legumes

• Common legumes used for overseeding include:
• Stylosanthes spp. (Stylo)
• Desmodium spp. (Tick clover) -Arachis pintoi (Forage peanut)
• Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro)

Summary

• Successful legume establishment requires appropriate site preparation, adequate seed inoculation with rhizobia, and proper grazing management to facilitate establishment and persistence
• Effective management of native pastures involves a holistic approach incorporating appropriate stocking control, burning, and legume overseeding
• Native pastures offer ecological and economic benefits
• Potential limitations must be addressed through sustainable management practices
• By adopting integrated pasture management strategies, livestock producers can ensure long-term pasture productivity while conserving the natural ecosystem

Overview of native pastures, which are widespread globally and crucial for livestock production. Covers soil characteristics, vegetation, and dominant forage species such as Panicum, Bothriochloa and Andropogon spp. Also covers soil fertility and nutrient availability.