How to Tackle Pasture Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sep 25, 2024 Posted by Brittany Cunningham
Source & Acknowledgement of Author: This article has been curated from the very helpful DairyNZ Website so before we dive in we want to acknowledge their great work in producing this article and we also want to encourage you to head over to their website and check it out. Lots of very useful information, tips & tricks.
Managing Pugging damage
Bad weather can leave your paddocks looking worse for wear, with areas pugged by cows causing major headaches. Whether it's gateways, feeding zones, or temporary lanes, dealing with pasture damage promptly can save you time and money in the long run. Here’s how to assess and repair damaged areas effectively, and why it's crucial not to ignore the problem.
Assessing the Damage
Start by inspecting your paddocks. Use a farm map to mark out the damaged areas and estimate their size. This will help you understand the extent of the issue.
Soil Assessment:
- Dig holes in the worst-hit spots to check for soil compaction and poor drainage.
- Rank the damage from 1 to 3:
- Category 1: Mud (possibly dried) with little or no pasture (soil compaction issues)
- Category 2: Severe damage to pasture, soil surface rough and pugged but not churned up
- Category 3: Light to moderate damage to pasture, soil.
(Source: DairyNZ Website)
Repairing the Damage
Ground Preparation:
- Category 1: For highly compacted soil, you’ll need to subsoil or deep rip, followed by cultivation. Ensure the soil is dry for best results.
- Category 2: If soil structure is intact but plant density is low, roll the ground before drilling. Use a large, flat roller.
- Category 3: For light to moderate damage, roll the area and apply urea to boost growth.
Seed Planting:
- Drilling vs. Broadcasting: Drilling, especially with a 125mm coulter drill, is ideal for even results. For small areas, broadcasting is fine; cover the seeds by harrowing.
- Seed Type: Use Italian or hybrid ryegrasses for quick establishment if you plan to crop soon. For longer-lasting pasture, opt for densely tillering perennials.
Fertilisation:
- Fertiliser Application: Apply 150kg/ha of DAP or Crop20 during drilling to help new plants establish.
Post-Sowing Management
- Keep stock off: If possible, use a hotwire to prevent grazing until the pasture is well-established. If grazing is unavoidable, do so lightly and leave a higher residual than usual.
- Monitor growth: Avoid grazing until the grass passes the "pull-test". Continue careful grazing to prevent further damage.
- Use N fertiliser: Apply throughout the season to encourage growth and increase tiller density.
The Cost of Inaction
Ignoring pasture damage can lead to significant losses. Research shows severely pugged pasture can produce up to 40% less dry matter (DM) the following season. For each hectare of damaged pasture, this could mean a revenue loss of over $1000. Additionally, untreated areas are more prone to weed infestation and future damage due to poor soil structure and drainage.
Next Steps...
Addressing pasture damage promptly and effectively is crucial for maintaining productivity and avoiding long-term losses.
If you are unsure of what steps to take to restore your pasture reach out to Delmade or if you’re not ready to speak to someone yet check out the learning centre for more information on rolling & plugging and also the product listings for full specifications on the rippers, drills and rollers we offer.
Ready to talk or have a question? Give us a call on 1800 335 623 or Enquire Now →
