Pasture Land or Grassland Management
- Studies conducted on a nationwide scale which included
karst regions, indicate that farmland contributes to a general decline
in surface water and groundwater quality. Public programs to address
agricultural runoff concerns are focussed on the largest commercial
feed lots and dairy operations, but small, independent livestock producers
and farmers also can cause problems locally
(and downstream). By limiting overgrazing and restricting livestock access to
streams, farmers can conserve valuable soil fertility and minimize the amount
of sediment and nutrients introduced into he watershed.
- In heavy use areas, such
as winter feeding sites, barn lots, ponds, and any place where bare soil
is exposed, sufficient vegetation should be
established to retain sediment, soil particles, and manure on
the fields. Work on stabilizing problem areas during the spring and
summer months in order to reduce erosion aggravated by wet,
winter
weather
and storms. Animals should have access to shady loafing areas
located away from water bodies.
- Don't let the size of your herd exceed the
carrying capacity of your soil and water resources. Practice
rotational grazing techniques
by leaving some pasture "in reserve" for livestock to graze
when grass on other pastures is spent. The most heavily grazed
fields may need to rest and recover occasionally in
- Keep livestock away from eroding stream banks, unprotected
stream crossings, subsiding sinkholes, sinking streams, and natural
waterways. Your local Soil and Water Conservation District
will be able to provide specific ideas in drainage diversion
designs, filter strips, fencing, basins, and other techniques
to reduce the impact that erosion, sedimentation, manure, and
agricutlural chemicals have on springs, streams, wells, marshes,
lakes, and ponds.
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