Get a jump start on 2013 horse pastures – Step 1: Get soil tested
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EmailPreparing your horse pasture for the winter will maximize your pasture's output for the spring.
If you want to increase your pasture’s productivity next year, you need to prepare your pasture for the winter this fall. Follow these three steps to maximize your pasture’s nutritional value for next spring:
1) Test your soil’s nutrient content
2) Apply recommended nutrients or lime based on the soil analysis report
3) Rest your pastures
Step 1. Get Soil Tested
The first step is to take a soil sample of your field. With the high costs of fertilizer, it doesn’t make any sense to buy nutrients that you may not need. The soil sample analysis will give you a tailor made recipe for fertilizer along with how much to apply per acre. You should have your soil sampled in your pastures and hay fields every three years so you can evaluate your soil fertility both to maximize your forage yield and provide soil nutrient information for your manure management plan. The Michigan State University Soil Testing Lab provides quick turnaround for soil analysis. If you have questions about collecting your sample, contact your county extension office.
Soil Testing: A Must for Proper Pasture Management from Rutgers University.
Finish the "Jump start on horse pastures" series:
Get a jump start on 2013 horse pastures –Step 2: Apply recommended nutrients
Get a jump start on 2013 horse pastures – Step 3: Rest the field
