Explain pasture management practices under the following sub-headings: (a) land preparation; (b) three methods of propagation; c) two methods of sowing; (d) fertilizer application; (e) grazing; (f) four management practices other than fertilizing and grazing.
Explanation
Explanation of pasture management practices under: (a) Land preparation: This involves land clearing, plough-ing, broadcasting of fertilizer and harrowing.
(b) Methods of propagation: This may be by seeds, rhizomes, stolons or runners.
(c) Sowing or planting: In sowing or planting the pasture or seed could be drilled. It could be planted by broadcasting; vegetative material could be also planted.
(d) Fertilizer application: Fertilizer can be applied by broadcasting, or could be added to the irrigation water (fertigation). Another method of application is folial spraying of liquid fertilizer.
(e) Grazing: There should be zero grazing during the first few weeks of establishment or very minimal grazing. Over grazing must be avoided at all times. Rotational grazing should be adopted to forestall build-up of worms and to prevent overgrazing.
(f) Other management practices other than fertilizing and grazing are: Pest or disease control, regular weeding, rouging, avoidance of overstocking of livestock, paddocking, reseeding, burning and irrigation.