By: Lynn Stillwell Livestock Agent Sampson
Adapted From:C.D. Teutsch, Extension Specialist, Forage/Livestock, Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center; and J.H. Fike, Assistant Professor, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech
If you have noticed in recent years that your previously productive hayfields and pastures had been overtaken with weeds or you are just not getting the productiveness you want, it may be time to consider renovating your pasture or sprayfield. Pasture renovation is a series of management practices that will improve the health, productivity, and composition of your pasture or hayfield on a long-term basis.
Before beginning renovation you must first determine why your previous stand did not persist. Obtain a soil sample from the field or pasture, keep in mind that one sample should represent no more than 25 Acres. Major problem areas (ex. Patches of no grass, severely stunted grass) should be sampled separately to determine a more specific problem.
Renovation does not always mean you must reseed your fields. Sometimes allowing a field to go fallow (resting period), liming, controlling weeds, and improving management can improve weak hay fields or pastures. However, large bare areas (spaces of >6”) should be reseeded.
Poor fertility, low pH, and overgrazing are just a few of the reasons why your pasture may be overridden with weeds. Weeds are opportunistic intruders and it is essential that you take care of weed problems before reseeding or at the beginning of renovation. Weeds will compete with your Bermuda or any other grasses you are trying to grow. Herbicides will work for most broadleaf species, however for more troublesome grass weeds such as Goosegrass or nutsedge, pre-emergents may be necessary for control.
Some weeds (such as Broomsedge) can simply be controlled by adding lime to your fields and pastures. Raising the pH of the soil is critical to improving your stand. The pH of your soil is determined by completing a soil test. Hold off on pumping until your reseeded (or sprigged) grass has begun growing as pumping too early will encourage any other grasses or weeds to grow potentially shading out your newly seeded grasses.
Your pasture or hayfield wont be renovated over night. It is a process that requires attention to detail and patience. Proper management after renovation should help maintain your fields for future use.
