The Use of Tree Mulch to Increase Native Grassland Pasture Fertility

The Use of Tree Mulch to Increase Native Grassland Pasture Fertility

Summary

The drought noted in last year’s progress report remained with us through the 2012 growing season. Hope for better growing conditions in 2012 was parched by the lack of adequate moisture. The remaining fertilizer identified in last year’s report was applied to the test plot area. The heavily mulched plots were re-inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi. Cattle were permitted to graze the test plot area once. A poster briefly explaining the SARE project was erected adjacent to the test plot area.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The drought noted in last year’s progress report remained with us through the 2012 growing season.

As noted in last year’s report, the remaining 25 pounds of magnesium sulfate was applied to the test plot area in May 2012.

In May 2012 Mulched Plots #3 & #4 were once again inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi.

The Alice White Clover/Crimson Clover mixture that was broadcasted across Test Plot #4 sprouted, but failed to mature because of the drought condition. Depending upon what clover appears this spring (2013), clover may be reseeded in order to facilitate the accumulation of soil nitrogen.

Due to the drought conditions, cattle were only permitted to graze the test plot area one time.

In August 2012 a roadside poster was placed adjacent to the test plots to inform the public of the SARE activity taking place at this site.

Accomplishments/Milestones

At this time no project results are available showing an increase in soil humus. Later this spring (2013), once the soil becomes biologically active, soil samples will be extracted from each test plot and sent in for mineral and carbon analysis. Soil humus creation is a slow process. With a series of annual soil test reports we hope to see a general increase in the soil carbon content. A few years of data will be needed in order to have statistically relevant results.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This coming spring (2013) we will be soil sampling the test plots and submitting the final report. Once the pasture growth has increased appropriately, the test plot pasture will once again be grazed with cattle. If there is sufficient growth, we expect to graze the test plots twice during the 2013 growing season.

Collaborators: