Maintaining the health of small acreage pastures can be challenging, even in years with normal rainfall. Small non-irrigated pastures are sensitive to grazing and hoof traffic. Drought conditions further hamper pasture productivity. Lack of moisture suppresses plant growth and retards root development. Without adequate root structure, plants are unable to extract moisture and nutrients from the soil, which further limits plant growth. In order to survive, plants rely on the few leaves they have to capture solar energy and manufacture sugars through the process of photosynthesis. Those sugars, along with small amounts of stored reserves, are used to support basic life functions.
Manage small acreage pastures before, after drought
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Maintain healthy small acreage pastures by avoiding overgrazing, grazing at six to eight inches and resting at three to four inches, and restricting turnout time.
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