See the first things Florida beef producers should be doing in their June pastures, starting with a soil sample and weed control.
“With recent rainfall across our area, many pastures finally have the moisture needed to make pasture management investments pay off,” advised a UF/IFAS blog. It added that “June is the time to evaluate your pastures, develop a plan, and take advantage of the moisture we have been waiting for.” See the recommended steps for getting Florida pastures up and growing below.
Steps for June Pastures
The blog advised Florida beef producers to start their June pastures off right with a soil sample:
- “Start with a Soil Sample. One of the most overlooked steps in pasture management is soil testing. A soil sample provides valuable information about nutrient levels and soil pH, allowing you to make informed decisions rather than guessing what your pasture needs. Without a soil test, you may be applying nutrients that are already sufficient while overlooking nutrients that are limiting forage production.
Testing now gives you time to:
• Review your results
• Develop a fertilizer plan
• Apply lime if needed
• Coordinate weed control and seeding activities
Your local Extension office can help you collect a proper soil sample, interpret results, and develop a management plan based on your pasture’s needs.”
Next, the blog advised that weeds must be dealt with:
- Control Weeds Before You Fertilize
If weeds are present, weed control should typically come before fertilizer applications. Weeds compete with desirable forage species for nutrients, moisture, and sunlight. Applying fertilizer before controlling weeds often means you’re feeding the weeds you are trying to eliminate.
For the best herbicide performance, make sure:
• Weeds are actively growing
• Weeds are not flowering
• Weeds have not gone to seed
Timing is critical. Herbicides work best when weeds are actively moving nutrients throughout the plant. Spraying too late in the season can significantly reduce effectiveness. Just as important as timing is proper identification. Different weeds require different control strategies, and using the wrong product can be both costly and ineffective. Your local Extension agent can help identify problem weeds and recommend appropriate control options. After spraying, wait at least two weeks before applying fertilizer. This allows the herbicide time to work and helps reduce stress on desirable species.
See the next steps concerning moisture and reseeding in our subsequent blog.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.