ANSC 485 Lecture 4: ANSC 485 Lecture 4
Document Summary
2-3 acres per horse is needed to maintain adequate forage supply: establishing new pastures. Plant at the proper depth: how to take a soil test. Results are only as good as the sample: effective weed control. Understand the weed life cycle: cool season, begin to grow mid august, peak is december-march, bloom april-may, warm season, begin to grow april- june, peak is june-july, bloom mid july- mid october. Identify weed species and herbicide needed: managing existing pastures. Control grazing rotation: plant growth rate and various stages. Low leaf area, light interception: reduced photosynthetic rate, new growth comes from energy stored in roots and crown, slow regrowth after grazing. Phase 2: high leaf area, light interception, young, efficient leaves, high photosynthetic rate, fast growth. Phase 3: high leaf area, light interception, old, inefficient leaves, seedhead or bloom production, energy used to produce seed, slow growth rate, choosing a forage species.
