Week 2: METHODS OF RANGELAND AND PASTURE

IMPROVEMENT
To ensure the continuous availability of grasses and legumes, it is necessary to adopt
some management principles that would lead to the improvement of rangeland and
pasture. Such principles are
1. Controlled stocking: this refers to the situation whereby the correct number of
animals are allowed to graze a particular area of land. an adequate stocking rate
should be maintained as overstocking could lead to deterioration of the
rangeland
2. Reseeding: this involves replanting of seeds of forage crops on a depleting
rangeland. When animals have grazed a lot on a rangeland, the crops may start
to show signs of dying off, then reseeding becomes necessary. The farmer
should improve on the range by broadcasting new seeds and allowing the
rangeland to rest. Reseeding is most beneficial where rotational grazing is
practised.
3. Legume and grass mixture: In a natural grassland without legumes, the farmer
may improve it by introducing legume seeds into the rangeland. Legumes provide
protein for animals and also add nutrient to the soil. Once the legume and grass
mixture has been established, it should be maintained. Legumes such as
pueraria, centrosema and stylosanthes can be used.
4. Paddocking: paddocking involves dividing the rangeland into a number of plots
or sections with fences. The animals normally feed on each section on a
rotational basis. This allows for good regeneration of forage crops and prevents
the pest and diseases build – up. It also prevents selective grazing of grasses
and legumes.
5. Uses of fertilizers: fertilizers should be applied to rangeland plants. This ensures
enough foliage formation for grazing and silage preparation. Compound
fertilizers e.g NPK should be applied once every year or two. Rangeland
6. Controlled burning: this aids regeneration of forage crops. It also sanitizes the
rangeland i.e by getting rid of weeds, seeds, disease organisms and pests. It
adds some nutrients e.g potassium to the soil.
7. Pest control: In order to destroy some pest of crops and animals, it may be
necessary to spray the rangeland with suitable pesticides. This ensures that the
rangeland is pest free. It reduces the rate of disease spread.