Doing a soil test can be a very effective tool in a producer’s toolbox. It can tell you the kind of nutrients available as well as the amounts that are present.
I don’t have to tell you that knowing this information can be very helpful when it comes to choosing what type of fertilizer to use. If properly done soil sampling and testing can indicate the types and amounts of fertilizer and lime that you should put out.
Now you may be asking how it is that you can do a soil test properly. Well here are some points that you may want to consider:
Prescribed burning, also known as controlled burning, is basically a fire set intentionally. Despite the word “fire” generally brings to mind very negative images a prescribed burn can be a good thing. It is a management tool used by land managers and landowners to improve diversity of their vegetation. It can also be used to control any invasive plants that are present in your pasture.
Distaff thistle as well as the other species of thistle are considered the most serious threat to range and pasture. Thick stands can completely crowd out other vegetation reducing grazing. The sharp spines can prevent access to both livestock and people. It is not able to be grazed due to the fact that it is unpalatable to livestock and wildlife. Once it is established it is very hard to get rid of because the seeds can survive for a very long time, some up to 8 years.
Prickly pear as well as with other species of cactus are a common problem in pastures. They can interfere with the movement of livestock and cause serious health problems. Along with this they can overtake a pasture very quickly and strangle out more desirable forages. Because of this they pose a very serious problem for livestock producers wherever they show up.
The mesquite tree is one of the toughest and most invasive species of brush there is. It has come to populate several million acres in Texas alone. As any rancher will tell you, if left unchecked it will quickly take over a pasture. Though it is a bit of a nuisance, it does have some value to both livestock and wildlife. Here are some ways that you can use to control the mesquite that is in your pasture.
Do you know what your stocking rate is? Let me rephrase that: Do you know what your real stocking rate is? Many people follow just a general rule of thumb that was developed years ago. The truth is that cattle will not always graze on every acre that is available. You could have the scenario where certain areas are being overgrazed while others are not being used at all. This is where determining your grazeable acreage will help.
Cedars are a very aggressive and destructive woody plant here in Texas. They are known to take over a pasture quickly. Along with taking forage space they are a very thirsty plant. A large infestation of cedars will completely suck dry a spring or other pasture water source.
Well spring has arrived here in Texas, the temperature has gotten warmer and the grass has begun to turn green as well as grow. Along with this one typical problem has also started growing with them: WEEDS.
Pastures represent a very valuable resource for producers. In order to become an efficient cattle producer you must maximize your pasture’s forage output. But are you getting every bit out of it that you can?
As winter begins to wind down now is the time to consider getting your soil tested for the coming year. A soil analysis is a good management tool because it tells you what your soil may be lacking, saving you money on fertilizer. A soil test however is only as good as the samples that you collect to give to the testing lab. Here are some things to consider with soil sampling:
