Content by Alexander "Sandy" Smart
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.
Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Studies – McPherson, Deuel, Grant and Clark Counties
Even our best native pastures, rangelands and prairies suffer from at least some level of invasion. Within this reality lies a wide gradient of quality of native grasslands that is largely influenced by past and present management.
Grassland Fertilization: Terminology and Economics
This article is the first in a series of six focused on helping producers understand the pros and cons of grassland fertilization. We begin by learning some of the basic terminology and information related to fertilization.
Grassland Fertilization: Ecology
In the first article in this series, we discussed basic terminology and economics. This article focuses on the ecological impacts of fertilization in various grassland plant communities, including native rangelands and prairies.
Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Study - Hamlin County
Whether fertilization pays or not depends on the species present, the past management history and the type of grazing strategy. This study compares two very different plant communities that represent typical pastures and management schemes in this area.
Grassland Fertilization: Native Grass Planting Case Study - Codington County
Management goals of planted grasslands are an important driver in the consideration of whether fertilizer applications will be beneficial or harmful. Here, we will discuss various plant communities and the impact of fertilization on each.
Beef: Best Management Practices for Cow-Calf Production
This comprehensive book provides producers with insight and education into the latest beef management, handling practices and technology.
Fire as a Management Tool
When planned for and implemented appropriately fire is a tool that can have tremendous benefits to your grassland community.
Trigger Dates: Critical Decisions for Drought Management
Having a drought plan in place ensures that you can overcome the inhibitions surrounding a drought response, the basis of which is figuring out trigger dates.
Management for Recovery of Rangeland After Wildfire
Because fire is a natural component of Northern Great Plains grassland ecosystems, prairie vegetation is very well adapted to recover following a fire.