Best Management Practice Demonstration Horse Farm

Best Management Practice Demonstration Horse Farm

Forage Demonstration Plots

Introduction

The subject of horse pasture, probably more than any other area of agriculture, is loaded with misinformation, myths, and old wives’ tales. Horse property owners are continuously confronted with pasture management decisions that ultimately affect the productivity, persistence and appearance of their pastures. An understanding of pasture species, growth habits, and specific growing conditions is required for proper species selection and management.

Many horse owners often ask what forage grasses are suitable for use in New Jersey pastures. Additionally, many people are unfamiliar with what different forage grasses look like. In an effort to familiarize horse owners with available pasture grasses a demonstration plot was established at the Ryders Lane facility, unfortunately over the past few years the grasses have deteriorated, therefore even though this site has good information for your use, the actual plots are in need to renovation. Check back next year for newly established plots.

Establishing Plots

• The demonstration plots are situated on what were once organic garden plots. Prior to establishment, a soil sample was collected for analysis at the Rutgers NJAES soil testing laboratory. Fertilizer and lime were applied according to soil test recommendations.
• Prior to planting primary and secondary tillage operations were conducted. The soil was worked to obtain a fine seedbed to insure good soil to seed contact. Good seed to soil contact is necessary when trying to establish fine seeded forage grasses.

• Plots were measured and three replications of each planting were established.

• Pasture grasses were seeded in the fall with a broadcast seeder. Seed was lightly incorporated after planting. A fall seeding was chosen to reduce the amount of weed competition the new seeding would face during establishment.

Grasses for Pasture

• Pasture grasses chosen for inclusion in the demonstration plots are all cool season grasses adapted to the climatic conditions of New Jersey and the Northeastern U.S. Cool season grasses thrive in temperate climates such as New Jersey. Most of their growth occurs in the early spring and late fall when temperatures are cool, and productivity decreases during hot summer months.

• Cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue are commonly grown in New Jersey. Cool season grasses vary in cold hardiness. Susceptible species, such as perennial ryegrass often winter-kill when exposed to below normal winter temperatures.

Grasses Chosen

• Orchardgrass is a perennial, tall growing, cool season grass that does not have rhizomes or stolons. It is more tolerant of shade, drought, and heat than timothy, Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. It also grows well in full sunlight. Included in the plots are traditional orchardgrass varieties and the newer “Tekapo” variety. Tekapo has a very low crown and a dense, prostrate growth habit. This allows it to be grazed to near ground level; therefore ideal for sheep and horse grazing.

• Festolium is a cross between tall fescue and ryegrass. The result is a combination of high quality and good winter hardiness, persistence and stress tolerance.
• Perennial Ryegrass is a bunch type grass that is susceptible to winterkill in below normal temperatures. It can withstand considerable grazing.
• Tall Fescue is a deep rooted, long lived sod forming grass that spreads by rhizomes. It is ideal for areas with heavy livestock use. It is drought resistant and can tolerate low fertility. Older varieties have been associated with the presence of a fungus (endophyte) in the plant. The fungus produces alkaloids which can be toxic and result in poor animal performance and birth rates. Endophyte-free varieties are now available and recommended for new pasture seedings.
• Smooth Bromegrass is a leafy, sod-forming perennial grass that is best suited for hay or early spring pasture. It is deep- rooted and spreads by underground rhizomes.