Sustainable Grazing Systems for Arkansas: Native warm season grass establishment and control of cool season annual weeds

Project Overview

OS05-024
Project Type: On-Farm Research
Funds awarded in 2005: $14,800.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Southern
State: Arkansas
Principal Investigator:
Ron Morrow
Email
USDA-NRCS

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animals: bovine

Practices

  • Animal Production: parasite control, preventive practices, grazing - rotational
  • Crop Production: nutrient cycling
  • Education and Training: demonstration, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
  • Farm Business Management: whole farm planning
  • Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, riparian buffers, soil stabilization
  • Pest Management: biological control, competition, physical control
  • Production Systems: integrated crop and livestock systems

    Proposal abstract:

    A sustainable grazing system is a large component of conservation planning in USDA farm bill programs. This project will conduct on-farm research on establishment of warm season grasses, controlling cool-season weeds in pasture, and explororing the use these forbs to control parasites. Results wil be used in Arkansas Grazing Lands Initiative grazing workshops and other activities.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    1. No-till establishment of native warm season grasses along marginal field borders to enhance wildlife habitat and encourage the use of native warm season grasses in a grazing program.
    2. Use of grazing animals to control cool season annual weeds in rotationally grazed pastures.
    3. Evaluate the potential of forbs in rotationally grazed pastures to limit the internal parasite infestation in livestock.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.