K-State Research and Extension

In my last post, I referenced how growing season weather can effect smooth brome production. Weather isn’t the only factor to consider, however. We know cool season forages respond to good fertility, but did you know there can be fertility/soil interactions as well?

This chart from the Kansas Grazingland Management handbook provides a look at how soil fertility and soil depth affect cool season grass production both independently and in combination with each other (based on animal carrying capacity). Note the differences in productivity based on depth of soil alone – and then how those same stands really thrive under good fertility.

Most of the time we have a pretty good idea of a site’s overall productivity based on management over time. However, if you’re ever working to enhance your grazing management system or troubleshooting a lack of production – a second look at a site’s soil type differences is a good idea. The USDA Websoil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ ) is a great place to start. Other grazing productivity sites might have some application as well. Drop me a line if you want to learn more about some of them at dhallaue@ksu.edu.