Growing and Managing Year-Round Pastures

Rhizobia bacteria live in nodules on legume roots and convert N2 from the atmosphere into NH3 a form of nitrogen used by plants.Since legumes produce their own nitrogen, they are economical to grow because they don't require fertilizer for their source of nitrogen.Management to increase forage quality includes variety selection, harvesting at proper plant maturity, weed control, fertilization and implementation of grazing plans that promote optimal forage utilization.Adequate rainfall, large weed seed reserves in the soil and a long growing season are conducive for weed growth at the expense of forage production.