Forage production is of primary importance to livestock enterprises and the agricultural economy in the Pacific Northwest. When properly managed, pastures can produce forage for pennies per pound of dry matter and can serve as the main feed source for western Oregon and Washington livestock operations.
Good soil fertility is an essential part of a successful forage management program. Science-based nutrient management, combined with a dense stand of grass or grass/clover species, can provide a sustainable source of forage. This publication provides nutrient management concepts and recommendations for western Oregon and western Washington pastures used primarily for grazing. It also includes concepts related to conserving forage as hay or silage when forage production exceeds grazing needs. The topics discussed in this publication will help livestock producers develop a sustainable forage production system.
Nutrient management practices may not be beneficial unless system-wide best management practices for pasture systems are implemented. Animal management practices have a tremendous influence on pasture productivity. Poor management practices, such as overgrazing and grazing animals on saturated soils, will greatly reduce or even eliminate the positive effects of soil fertility improvements. Therefore, a secondary goal of this publication is to address general pasture management practices that may affect the pasture’s ability to respond to recommended nutrient management practices.