Explore what Florida beef producers should be doing with fertilization and weed control to get the pasture prepped for spring.
In our last blog, we shared UF/IFAS recommendations for getting the soil of Florida pastures ready for spring. Once soil samples are taken and results are returned, and any pH issues have been amended, it’s time to turn to with fertilization and weed control, according to a UF/IFAS blog article. See the next steps for getting the pasture prepped for spring, below.
Getting the Pasture Prepped for Spring
The UF/IFAS blog maintained that Florida beef producers should turn their attentions to fertilization and weed control in the last steps of getting the pasture prepped for spring.
It shared that “Fertilization replaces nutrients removed through grazing and hay harvest. Your soil test will guide how much nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to apply.”
Tips concerning fertilization include:
- “Avoid over-application — more fertilizer does not mean more production.
- Do not apply immediately before heavy rainfall events.
- Apply when cool-season forages are declining and warm-season grasses are beginning active growth.”
Take care to follow the 4Rs as “Excess nutrients in Florida soils are prone to leaching, which increases costs and reduces efficiency. Strategic timing improves both profitability and environmental stewardship.”
As for weed control, the blog maintained that “Spring is also a critical time for weed management.” It shared that Florida beef producers can choose from rotational or intensified grazing, mowing, and chemical control (when appropriate).
Tips include:
- For herbicide use, “Many small acreage and equine producers prefer mowing over herbicide use. However, herbicides recommended by UF/IFAS are labeled for use in grazing systems and are safe for livestock when applied according to label directions.”
- For mowing, “do so before weeds go to seed — preventing reproduction is key to long-term control.”
- For rotational grazing, “Rotational grazing is one of the most effective long-term weed management tools.”
The blog shared the ins and outs of a three- or four-pasture rotation system:
- “Graze for approximately one week
- Remove livestock
- Mow or clip remaining weeds
- Apply fertilizer if needed
- Rotate to the next pasture”
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.