
A New Use for "Old" GrassBy Tara Weaver January 12, 1999Agricultural Research Servicescientists have found a simple approach to managing grazing-sensitive eastern
gamagrass. Its potential for high productivity and moderate forage quality has
sparked ranchers interest in the grass as a forage crop. Gamagrass, native to the United States, is sensitive to heavy grazing and
requires careful grazing management, such as rotational stocking (alternating
grazing and at least 45-day rest periods). In a 3-year study, research agronomist Glen E. Aiken with ARS
Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research
Center in Booneville, Ark., placed 500-pound steers on eastern gamagrass
pastures at stocking rates of 1.2, 2.0 and 3.0 steers per acre in early May for
each of the three years. Cattle were removed from the pasture once the grass height was grazed down
to 12 to 15 inches. Overall steer gain per acre was best for the highest
stocking rate with the shortest grazing duration. Aiken says heavier grazing earlier in the grazing season means more time for
pastures to bounce back and replenish themselves later in the season. Also,
forage is used early in the season when forage quality is at its highest. Gamagrass tolerated grazing over the 3 years, since all pastures remained
productive. Interestingly, Aiken found the pastures had increased in plant
density, rather than not thriving under grazing practices. ARS is the U.S. Department of
Agricultures chief scientific agency. Scientific contact: Glen Aiken, ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research
Center, Booneville, Ark., phone (501) 675-3834, fax (501) 675-2940,
[email protected]. Story contacts Glen E Aiken U.S. Department of Agriculture | |