Pasture plant establishment and management

Healthy and productive pastures provide nutrition to horses while controlling erosion and increasing the aesthetic value of horse farms. Establishing pastures can include renovating to thicken up thinning stands or complete reestablishment. However, both require several steps to give the greatest chance for successful establishment. Good soil fertility is key in seeding success. Choosing the best species, varieties, and mixtures will ensure the resulting stand complements the operation and survives long term. Planting enough seed at the correct time and with the best possible method will give new seedlings the best chance of survival. Controlling competition and resting newly seeded pastures is essential to prevent establishment failures. Once a pasture is established, farm owners should focus on management including rotational grazing, weed control, and maintaining soil fertility.