Manure Management Other Considerations
Manure management is very important to the upkeep of your property, neighborhood,
Weeds
and the environment. Consider manure stor-
Good pasture management in-
age. If rained on, manure will leach harmful
cludes getting rid of weeds
nutrients into surface and groundwater.
that come up despite proper
When planning where to store manure try to
rotational use. The weeds can
place it away from
be controlled manually or by spray, depending on the types.
Sacrifice Area During times that pastures are not in use, a sacrifice area
Ro t at i o n a l Grazing Management
Sources of clean water Low points on your land Anywhere that during a heavy rain has a
sheet of water flowing across it Manure should be placed on an impermeable surface and kept dry or composted. For information on composting, or assistance with
is a great place to give your
manure storage designs or financial pro-
animals feed and exercise.
grams, contact Polk SWCD.
These areas ideally will be
Manure Share Program
mud-free and designed for all
Polk SWCD has a Manure Share Program
weather conditions.
that puts people in need of fertilizer in touch with those who want to get rid of their manure. For more information or to join the program contact the Polk SWCD
Last updated July 30, 2009
Photos by Lisa Reiley
580 Main Street, Suite A ~ Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: 503-623-3489 www.polkswcd.org polk.swcd@oacd.org
Tips for successful grazing management
time is harmful to the health and longevity of the pasture
Summer
Summer pastures can get too
Ma na ging Past ures
will depend on weather and time of
dry, so avoid
During the year, these manage-
year, usually at least 2-4 weeks
grazing
Oregon weather changes quickly. Be
unless irriga-
sure that the ground is hard before let-
tion is part of
ting your livestock out to graze
your manage-
Grazing on soft ground for any length
ment plan
ment practices will help keep your
pastures healthy and productive.
You can begin grazing livestock when grass reaches 6-8” in
If a pasture
height
of time causes plant damage, reducing
Move livestock to the next field
its strength and ability to grow
is irrigated
Never graze below 3 inches
make sure to let the ground
or to a sacrifice area when the
grass is down to 3-4” in height
Seasonal Notes
After moving the livestock har-
Winter & Spring
row (drag) the field to spread
In the Spring plants
manure to reduce parasites,
take in many nutri-
and mow to a height of 4 inches
ents that in too large
to keep the weeds down and
of doses can be harm-
promote healthy growth
ful to horses
Always allow the
In winter plants are
pasture to rest be-
dormant to save energy for spring
tween uses. The
growth and need to maintain a sub-
period of time
stantial height. Overgrazing at this
harden before grazing
Fall
Plants are working to reserve energy for the winter, so be extra careful not to overgraze