Definition of Pasture
Pasture refers to land that is covered with grass and other herbaceous plants suitable for feeding livestock.

Importance of Pasture

• Water Management: Growing pasture reduces surface runoff by promoting water infiltration into the soil.
• Livestock Nutrition: Pasture provides essential food for livestock, leading to:
  • Reduced stress in animals.
  • Improved fertility.
  • Extended lifespan.
  • Production of high-quality meat for human consumption.
• Soil Protection: Planted pasture serves as a permanent cover crop, protecting the soil from erosion.
• Soil Structure Improvement: Pasture enhances soil structure by maintaining soil fertility.
• Nutrient Addition: Pastures contribute nutrients to the soil, particularly through leguminous plants that fix nitrogen.
• Land Utilization: Pasture can be established to increase production in acidic soils unsuitable for crop farming and can utilize non-arable land while reserving arable land for crops.
• Pest and Disease Management: Implementing rotational grazing through paddocking can reduce pests and diseases in livestock.

Types of Pasture

1. Indigenous/Natural Pasture
   Indigenous pasture refers to naturally growing pasture, commonly found in communal grazing fields. The types of grasses in natural pastures can vary depending on altitude.
   Common Leguminous Pasture Species:
   • Stylosanthes spp (Stylo)
   • Centrosema spp (Centro)
   • Macroptilium spp
   • Macrotyloma spp
   • Desmodium spp
   • Neonotonia spp
2. Leguminous Shrubs:
   • Leucaena leucocephala (Leucaena)
   • Faidherbia albida
3. Cultivated Pasture
   Cultivated pastures can be categorized into two main types:
   • Pure Stand
     This type consists of either only grass or only legumes.
     Advantages:
     • Easier weed control using herbicides.
     • Better establishment due to reduced competition for nutrients, space, and light.
     • Simpler seed collection processes.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Vulnerability to pest and disease outbreaks, leaving farmers without alternatives.
     • Lower yield per unit area.
     • Increased instances of bloat in animals, particularly with leguminous crops.
     • Potentially lower palatability for livestock.
   • Mixed Pasture
     This pasture type involves the co-cultivation of grasses and legumes. Mixed pastures generally offer a more balanced ecosystem.
     Advantages:
     • Higher nutrient value compared to pure stands.
     • Improved soil fertility due to nitrogen fixation by legumes, leading to reduced reliance on nitrogen fertilizers.
     • Higher yield per unit area.
     • Decreased risk of bloat in grazing animals.
     • Security of yield in case one crop fails.
     • Greater palatability for livestock.
     • Enhanced soil utilization as different crops have varying nutrient requirements.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Difficulty in controlling weeds chemically.
     • Potential competition for nutrients, light, and space, especially with incorrect seed rates.
     • Challenges in seed collection from mixed pastures.

Pasture Establishment

Factors to Consider When Establishing Pasture:

• Fertility Status of the Soil: Understanding the fertility helps determine the necessary amount of fertilizer or manure to enhance soil health.
• Condition of the Land: The land should be free from waterlogging to ensure proper drainage and growth.
• Location of the Land: Proximity to a water source is essential for the sustenance of livestock.
• Distance from the Milking Parlour or Shed: For dairy cattle, the pasture should be reasonably close to facilitate easy access.

Methods of Pasture Establishment:

1. Broadcasting:
   • Definition: Scattering seeds by hand or with a seed broadcaster.
   • Steps for Broadcasting Seeds:
     • Divide the field into small plots.
     • Measure and distribute seeds according to the plot size.
     • Lightly cover the seeds with soil.
     • Apply fertilizer based on soil fertility.
   • Advantages:
     • Cost-effective.
     • Requires minimal labor.
     • Quick process.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Seed loss due to wind or birds.
     • Potential for uneven seed population distribution.
2. Undersowing:
   • Definition: Planting grass or legume seeds in a field already planted with a nurse crop (e.g., maize or wheat).
   • Advantages:
     • Lowers initial pasture establishment costs.
     • Increases reliability.
     • Minimizes soil structure disruption.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Harvesting the main crops may become challenging, especially if the undersown pasture grows significantly.
3. Oversowing:
   • Definition: Introducing better pasture species into unimproved grassland without destroying existing forage.
   • Preparation Steps:
     • Reduce the height and density of existing forage by trimming or grazing.
   • Advantages:
     • Existing forage provides shade for seedlings.
     • Enhances pasture quality by introducing superior species.
     • Minimizes soil erosion and maintains moisture.
     • Lowers labor costs and machinery investments.
   • Disadvantages:
     • If not mowed, existing forage may block sunlight from reaching new seedlings.
     • Competing for nutrients and sunlight can hinder seed growth.
     • Increases pest populations.
     • Requires advanced management skills.
4. Drilling:
   • Definition: Sowing seeds using a seed drill, ensuring they are covered immediately.
   • Advantages:
     • Provides optimal seed placement and coverage.
     • Reduces seed loss and enhances germination rates.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Equipment costs and maintenance.

Advantages of Vegetative Propagation:

• Maintains superior traits from the parent crop, ensuring high-quality pasture.
• Facilitates the rapid production of large quantities of pasture.
• Promotes faster maturation of the pasture.

Disadvantages of Vegetative Propagation:

• Potential nutrient competition from fast-growing pasture.
• Bulky planting materials are challenging to transport and store.
• Planting materials have a short shelf life and cannot be stored for extended periods.