Much of Oklahoma finished the summer and fall of 2024 with drought stressed pastures. As we approach the season when soil temperature and photoperiod are priming warm season grasses to grow, it is important to assess damage to drought stressed pastures and manage accordingly. Following drought, stand damage is readily apparent even on well-managed pastures.
Keep the following in mind this spring to aid in recovery of drought stressed, warm season grass pastures:
• Damaged stands of grass can recover with weed control, proper fertility and deferred grazing.
• The best post-drought management approach is to reduce competition and focus on moisture conservation and use. Aggressive weed control measures reduce competition for moisture and soil nutrients allowing desirable plants the best opportunity for successful growth and re-establishment. Herbicides are best applied early!
• Fertilization will be most important for improved grasses (such as bermudagrass or Old World bluestem) in tandem with weed control.
• Permit the desirable grasses to stay ahead of grazing pressure. Manage as if it is a new stand of grass to give time for root systems to grow and re-establish.
• It may be necessary to sacrifice specific grazing paddocks or pastures in order to let the majority of pastures recover by delaying grazing pressure.
• Make a plan now for warm season grass pastures and hay meadows with the health of desirable plant species in mind.
• Considering the potential for a continued lack of moisture make sure fertility, weed control and grazing pressure permit your desired plant species to capitalize on the moisture when it comes. — Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension beef cattle breeding specialist
