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Understanding Grassland Terminology
Before learning the best practices of grassland management, it's important to know some of the common terminology used in the land management and conservation arena.
South Dakota Grassland Management Resources
The South Dakota Grassland Coalition provides educational opportunities for producers and agency personnel alike and has a wealth of informational tools available to share with others seeking assistance.
Grassland Goods and Services
Grasslands, whether in the form of pastureland, rangeland or various conservation program or habitat lands are important ecosystems that provide a variety of goods and services.
Why Grassland Management?
Grassland management involves more than simply moving livestock from one pasture to the next. Successful grassland managers are educated in grassland health and strive to improve their personal understanding of key grassland components.
Native Species
Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.
Warm and Cool-Season Grasses
Grasses are often divided into two groups based on their season of growth. Cool-season grasses grow in the early part of the growing season (spring and early summer), while warm-season grasses grow later in the season (early summer to late summer).
Introduced Grasses and Forbs
While native grasslands contribute greatly to the integrity of the overall grassland community in South Dakota, the use of introduced grasses has proven a popular alternative for some producers.
Replanting Cropland Back to Grassland
Planting cropland back to grassland takes some planning regarding previous herbicide use, soil fertility and seed bed preparation. The first step is to identify what resources are currently available to help you reach your objectives and what problems may need to be addressed.
General Principals of Grazing Management
Grazing involves a number of variables, including land carrying capacity, type and distribution of the livestock, water distribution and number of pastures. A combination of proper grazing techniques and grassland management will improve harvest efficiency and lower production costs.
Grazing Systems
According to rangeland and pasture specialists, there are four basic types of grazing systems, including: continuous grazing, deferred rotational grazing, rest rotational grazing and management-intensive grazing.