Management Impact on Sustainability of Native Legume Component of Warm-season Grass Pastures

Project Overview

OS14-085
Project Type: On-Farm Research
Funds awarded in 2014: $14,308.00
Projected End Date: 03/14/2017
Grant Recipient: LSU
Region: Southern
State: Louisiana
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Montgomery Alison
Email
LSU AgCenter

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Agronomic: general hay and forage crops, grass (misc. perennial), hay
  • Additional Plants: native plants
  • Animals: bovine
  • Animal Products: dairy

Practices

  • Animal Production: grazing management, stockpiled forages, feed/forage

    Abstract:

    Response of herbaceous mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) to grazing deferment during various periods within the growing season indicated high resiliency of this species to management. Although none of the three 2-month grazing deferment periods appeared to increase seed production enough to enhance stand, it is important to realize these management treatments also did not lead to stand reduction. This finding indicates this native legume can be included in pasture management systems ranging from continuous stocking to long term deferment. This species also proved to be tolerant of flooding up to 4 weeks duration and to late season drought.

    Project objectives:

    Determine impact of grazing exclusion timing on stand enhancement and persistence of the native legume herbaceous mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa).

    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.