Proper Time for Pasture Establishment

• Seeds should be sown early in the planting season for optimal results.

• In vegetative propagation, plant materials should be used when soil moisture is sufficient.

Causes of Failure in Pasture Establishment

• Poor Seed Germination:

  • Deep planting, poor seedbed preparation, low seed viability.

• Poor Inoculation.

• Nutrient Deficiency.

• Unfavorable Chemical Conditions.

• Poor Drainage.

• Pests and Diseases.

Pasture Management

• Encompasses practices to maintain pasture productivity.

Key Considerations for High Pasture Yield

• Sufficient herbaceous vegetation for year-round animal feeding.

• Efficient pasture utilization to minimize waste.

• Harvesting pasture when quality is high.

• Employing sustainable management methods.

Activities in Pasture Management

1. Application of Manures or Fertilizers

   • Use correct fertilizers based on soil tests.

   • Top dress at the start of rains with nitrogen fertilizers.

   • Importance of Top-Dressing:

     • Improves nutrient value and replenishes soil nutrients.

     • Increases pasture yield and improves soil structure.

2. Weed Control

   • Common Pasture Weeds:

     • Thorn apple (Datura stramonium)

     • Sodom apple (Solanum incanum)

     • Lantana/Tick berry (Lantana camara)

   • Weeding Methods:

     • Clear land before planting.

     • Use high-purity seeds.

     • Mechanically uproot weeds.

     • Apply livestock-safe herbicides (e.g., 2.4-D, Paraquat).

   • Reasons for Weed Control:

     • Weeds compete for nutrients and space.

     • Weeds reduce forage quality and yields.

     • Some weeds can poison livestock.

3. Controlling Pests and Diseases

   • Effects:

     • Stunted growth and low productivity.

     • Pest damage.

   • Control Methods:

     • Rotational grazing to reduce pest buildup.

     • Use livestock-safe pesticides.

4. Grazing Livestock

   • Controlled Grazing: Prevent pasture destruction.

   • Stocking Control: Avoid overstocking (leads to deterioration) or understocking (results in inedible materials).

5. Controlling Burning of Pasture

   • Burning is discouraged due to its detrimental effects on soil microorganisms and structure.