Old pasture growth removal
Management Activity
As a pasture ages it grows, matures and declines; with each stage the nutritive value for stock (pasture quality) reduces. The periodic removal of old poor quality material may stimulate greater pasture growth during the coming/current season. Methods for removing old pasture growth may include burning, slashing or mulching. The method most practical depends on the situation.
The direct impacts of burning old pasture growth may include:
- Soil nutrient loss
- Soil organic matter loss
- Reduced ground cover
- Soil structure decline
- Reduced pest animals
- Increased greenhouse gas emission
The impacts of mulching or slashing old pasture growth may include:
Last updated 7 September 2010
