ARS | Publication request: PREPARING GRASSES IN THE FALL FOR SPRING PRODUCTION

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 10, 2005
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Grass production following the winter is influenced by environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and snow cover, and by management applied during the previous growing season such as soil fertility, species, and grazing management. Carbohydrates produced by leaves or recovered from storage organs supply the plant with the energy to grow after defoliation or a stress period. Pastures should be managed to provide grasses with adequate carbohydrates to survive the winter and grow vigorously the following spring. These include reducing the frequency of grazing when soil moisture is limiting and in the fall, leaving adequate stubble throughout the grazing season, maintaining adequate soil fertility, and applying nitrogen to promote plant growth that can be efficiently utilized. Applying nitrogen very late in the growing season can increase its loss to the environment. Producers should also be aware of how soil, climate, and management may limit the use of particular grass species on their farm.