By Matthew Webb

County Extension Agent

Winter is not over yet but spring is not far off either. Here are a few tips to get your pastures ready for this spring. February and March are key months for management. Below are a few practices to focus on during the next few weeks.

1. Take a soil sample to determine fertilizer and lime requirements. If you will go ahead a get a soil sample submitted over the next few weeks, you will get your results back in plenty of time to know exactly the amount of fertilizer and lime that needs to be applied to your fields. Getting lime applied and proper nutrients available in pastures and hayfields is important when trying to get clovers established and making forage plants as competitive as possible. Since broomsedge (sage grass) is a problem in many fields, now is a good time to help other more desirable grasses to get a chance to “outcompete” this problem grass.

2. Scout fields to determine the proper herbicide treatment for weedy fields. Many pastures and hayfields have heavy weed pressure due to drought of the last few years. Look over these fields to determine what type of weeds are present, and how heavy the pressure is. Most of the cool-season weeds growing can be controlled effectively with the herbicides that are currently available. Remember that you will need about three days in which the high temperature reaches 60 F prior to spraying. Apply two pints of 2,4-D per acre in late February if you have a problem with buttercup. Double the rate if you wait until late March or if you allow buttercup to bloom. Use 4 pints per acre on plantain.

3. Get ready to plant legumes in late February through early March over pastures or hayfields. If any of these fields currently have more than two inches of stubble, make sure to get these fields grazed down prior to seeding. Seed 2 pounds of white clover and 4 pounds of red clover per acre. You can add 8 lbs of annual lespedeza on hillside pastures. Be sure to eliminate any nitrogen from your fertilizer if you are going to seed clover. The nitrogen will stimulate the grass to grow too fast, making it difficult for the clover seedlings to get light. Clover will provide some cheap nitrogen and improved weight gains and conception rates. Only plant 20 to 25 percent of fields in clover. This will allow livestock the choice of going back and forth between clover and grass and helps to prevent bloat. It will be important to consider any herbicide applications made prior to seeding the clover. You need to wait three weeks after applying 2,4-D to plant clovers. Some of the newer herbicides have a significantly longer waiting period. Be sure to read the labels and to determine the proper methods to seed clovers following herbicide applications.

These are just a few important recommendations that can dramatically affect the production, quality, and profitability of your forage operations. Even though pastures are not growing much right now, don’t think that there is nothing to do. For more information, contact Matthew Webb, Extension Agent, by phone at (931) 359-1929 or by email at dwebb15@utk.edu.