Pasture and Hay Planting (NRCS #512)
Applicable Systems
About
Pasture and hay planting1 is the establishment of "adapted and compatible species, varieties or cultivars of perennial herbaceous plants suitable for pasture or hay production." Pastureland differs from rangeland mainly by its relatively intensive and technology-based management. Common goods produced from forage and grazing land include feed, fiber, forest products, milk, and meat.
Key aspects and considerations:
- Maintain establishment of perennial species for forage production for at least 5 years.
- Select adapted species that meet livestock forage demand in periods of inadequate forage production and that recover quickly after harvest.
- Minimize cutting until recommended heights are reached.
- Remove livestock until the plants are well established.
- Establish rotational grazing to provide plant recovery periods and discourage selective grazing.
- Protect stands from pests and traffic damage.
- Evaluate machinery needs, fertilizer costs, seed costs, labor, and maintenance requirements when estimating costs of pasture and hay production.
Benefits and Limitations
| ACRE Category | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Health |
|
|
| Water Management |
|
|
| Nutrient Management |
|
|
| Agricultural Production |
|
|
| Biodiversity and Wildlife |
|
|
| GHG Emission |
|
|
| Economics |
|
|
Impact on Agricultural Resilience
- Through improved soil structure, increased water holding capacity, and deep roots, forage persistence increases during dry periods.
- Productivity and water availability are more stable over time.
Regional Applicability
- The study Soil Health in Relation to Grazing conducted by North Dakota State University (NDSU) Central Grassland Research Extension Center assessed the effect of eight land uses and twice-over rotation grazing on soil health. The study concluded that root growth, grazing, and diversity of plant species are the factors that most affect soil health.
Case Studies
- Brandon Bless, land and animal manager at Bread & Butter Farm, tells the importance of animal grazing and why haying is a critical part of agricultural land use in Vermont.
Resources
- Video. South Carolina NRCS Conservation Videos: Prescribed Grazing and Planting Pastures
- Video. South Carolina NRCS Conservation Videos: Prescribed Grazing and Year Round Forage
- Canadian Forage and Grassland Association: Forage Best Management Practices for Enhancing Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration
References
- USDA-NRCS (2020). Conservation Practice Standard Document, Pasture and Hay Planting, Code 512. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Pasture_and_Hay_Planting_512_NHCP_CPS_2020.pdf
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (2012). Estimated Costs of Pasture and Hay Planting. Ag Decision Maker. 8p. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/pdf/a1-15.pdf
- Sanderson, M. A., Jolley, L. W., & Dobrowolski, J. P. (2012). Pastureland and Hayland in the USA: Land Resources, Conservation Practices, and Ecosystem Services. In: Nelson, C.J. (ed.). Conservation Outcomes from Pastureland and Hayland Practices: Assessment, Recommendations, and Knowledge Gaps. Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. https://www.afgc.org/wp-content/uploads/ch_1.pdf
- USDA-CEAP Conservation Insight (2014). National Trends and Resource Concerns in Managing Grazing Land Ecosystem Services. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/publications/ceap-GrazingLands-2014-TrendsAndResourceConcernsGrazingLandEcosystemServices-ConservationInsight.pdf
- USDA-NRCS (2009). Specification Guide Sheet for Pasture and Hay Planting (512). https://www.deschutesswcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pasture-Renovation-Guide-Sheet-NRCS.pdf
