Improving the quality of pasture and building soil health is crucial for the overall well-being of horses. Well managed, high-quality pastures can meet many nutrient requirements and can significantly reduce the cost of supplementary feed, especially hay.
Unfortunately, many horse pastures are often dominated by weeds due to overstocking and selective grazing of palatable plants species. By implementing proper management practices, businesses can ensure their pastures provide high-quality forage for their equine companions.
Tips for improving pasture quality and soil health for equine management:
1. Re-seeding: Regularly reseeding pastures with high-quality forage species is essential for maintaining pasture health. When reseeding, consider using a mix of grasses and legumes which are well-suited for your local climate and soil conditions. This will help improve biodiversity, increase forage quality, and reduce the risk of overgrazing.
2. Pasture and Grazing Management: Proper pasture and grazing management practices are key to maintaining healthy pastures. Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and allow forage to regrow. Consider implementing a rotational grazing system to maximize forage utilization and promote healthy pasture growth.
3. Forage Species to Consider: When selecting forage species for your pastures, consider the nutritional needs of horses, the local climate and soil conditions. Planting as large mix of species offers a larger nutrient variety to horses and is better for soil health. Pasture seed mixes are becoming increasingly popular like Bell Seeds Equine Mix. Consulting with an agronomist regarding what pasture will grow in your area (particularly with climatic and drainage conditions) will assist in the selection of best forage species for your set up.
4. Disc Drill for Seeding Species: When re-seeding pastures, consider using a no-till disc drill for planting. A precision disc drill can help ensure proper seed-to-soil contact, minimise soil disturbance, improve seed germination, and reduce seed loss. This can result in a more even and successful stand of forage species. A no-till drill, such as the Darryl Drill is one of the best ways to create new or over-seeding a current pasture.
By improving pasture quality and soil health, horse owners can create healthier and more sustainable pastures for their equine companions.
Remember, a well-maintained pasture not only benefits the health and well-being of horses but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly equine management system. By investing in pasture and soil health, horse owners can build a thriving ecosystem for both their animals and farm.
References;
AgSolutions Australia. (2022, February 17). Pasture Management for Horses. Retrieved from AgSolutions Australia: https://agsolutions.com.au/2019/08/12/pasture-management-for-horses/
Offord, M. (2022, February 17). Plants Poisonous to Horses An Australian Field Guide. Retrieved from AgriFutures Australia: https://agrifutures.com.au/product/plants-poisonous-to-horses-an-australian-field-guide/
-Improving Pasture Quality | Equine Science (iastate.edu)
Establishing Healthy Pastures for Horses – AgSolutions
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