BOTANICAL COMPOSITION DYNAMICS OF MIXED TALL FESCUE PASTURE IN WEST VIRGINIA

Authors: Fedders, James; Belesky, David

Submitted to: American Forage and Grassland Council Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/14/2002
Publication Date: 7/10/2002
Citation: Fedders, J.M., Belesky, D.P. 2002. Botanical composition dynamics of mixed tall fescue pasture in west virginia. American Forage and Grassland Council Conference Proceedings, 11:287-291.

Interpretive Summary: Grazing management affects the types and numbers of plant species occurring in pasture and may affect the occurrence of animal health problems associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue. We subdivided a 70-acre single unit pasture on a West Virginia hill-land farm into 8 smaller paddocks by adding division fences and water troughs. These improvements allowed the farm operator greater control of where, when and how long his stocker steer herd grazed areas of the farm. We documented the effect of these improvements on species composition and pasture height over a five-year period. Improved management increased forage utilization but had little effect on overall fescue content, which averaged near 50% farm-wide. Localized, near-pure stands of fescue were invaded by other species when pastures were grazed closely. Increased grazing pressure reduced the content of orchardgrass but increased the amount of bluegrass in the pastures farm-wide. Subdivision of large pastures led to greater forage utilization and changes in species composition in a relatively short time, but tall fescue remained a dominant component of the pasture.

Technical Abstract: Grazing management is one means of improving pasture productivity, by balancing forage growth with utilization. Grazing also influences the types and numbers of plant species occurring in pasture and may help minimize deleterious effects of endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Placement of water troughs and division fences allows producers to control where and when grazing occurs. We subdivided a 70-acre single unit pasture on a West Virginia hill-land farm into 8 smaller paddocks, facilitating more intensive pasture management. We documented botanical composition and canopy height of swards for five years to assess the influence of management intensification. Average canopy height declined from 9.5 inches (1996) to less than 5 inches (2000). Average tall fescue contribution remained relatively stable on a farm-wide basis ranging from 45 to 52%, however, fescue content declined by over one-third in an area with high (75%) initial fescue levels. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) declined from 25 to 5% and bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) increased from 1 to 10% farm-wide over the five-year period. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) contribution varied widely in part due to fluctuations in precipitation. Botanical composition changed and sward utilization increased in a relatively short time, but tall fescue remained a dominant component of swards.