Barzona Bulletin spring 2019

Pasture Diversity Continued from page 3

period of peak production for any one plant species is limited. However, with a rich array of plant species present, these peak periods of production are spread over an extended period. This results in a host of benefits that favorably impact our bottom line. First and foremost is significantly greater forage biomass production on an annual basis. More grass, legumes and forbs equal more carrying capacity. Second, we naturally extend the grazing season, resulting in lower hay and feedstuff supplementation. Third, we expand the palate of our livestock. They learn to eat a much wider variety of plant species. How Can We Develop? There are several keys to developing a better array of plant species diversity and complexity. First, we must stop using her- bicides on our pastures. Herbicides always trend us back toward near monocultures and never toward diversity. Herbicide use always creates a series of compounding and cascading effects that are not beneficial in the long run. First, herbicides never actually get rid of “weeds,” they simply set them back. Second, herbicides damage the soil microbiolo- gy. Third, plant resistance to specific herbicides develops over time. Fourth, herbicides create a per acre cost (cost of product plus application cost) that is wholly unnecessary when we em- ploy proper grazing practices. In working across the United States, Canada and Mexico, I have yet to find an area where there is not a fairly diverse latent seed bank. All we have to do is tap into it. That requires a pulsing of stock density coupled with adequate rest periods.

The multitude of benefits derived from a far greater array of plant species create greater microbial species diversity; signifi- cantly more secondary and tertiary plant compounds; attracts more insects, pollinators, birds and other wildlife; and extends our grazing season. What’s not to like about this? Editor’s note: Allen Williams, Ph.D., is the founding partner of Grass Fed Insights, LLC, and a partner in Soil Health Consulting, LLC. He is also a sixth-generation family farmer, pastured pro- tein producer, adaptive grazer, consultant and a “reformed aca- demic.” He can be reached at allenwilliams@joyce-farms.com or (662) 312-6826. BB

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