Agriculture for livestock: summer problems are solved in winter

Considering that we are in the second half of the year, when rainfall generally increases in much of the Colombian Caribbean region, many cattle ranchers take advantage of the opportunity to start programs to improve or establish pastures on their farms. It is important to remember that summer problems are solved in winter, so we must organize ourselves and produce fodder for livestock before the dry season arrives again.

Among the recommendations for establishing pastures we find:

Soil analysis

It is important to take a tour of the area to be worked on, take soil samples and perform the respective laboratory analyses. This allows us to know the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil and therefore the type of pasture that should be established on the farm.

Calicata

It is ideal to dig a 1m3 test pit, which allows us to observe the soil horizons, texture, compaction and root development of the vegetation present. Compacted soils affect water infiltration, air flow, moisture retention, root development, impacting plant growth due to lack of nutrients and biomass production.

Determination of the species to be established

There are grasses adapted to high areas, low areas, that tolerate drought or waterlogging, others tolerate acidity, among others. Depending on what I want to do, I must select a decumbent, semi-erect, erect grass or if I want grass for cutting, hay, silage and/or grazing. When we buy seed we must analyze the production season, germination percentage and cultural value mainly.

Biomass control

Before the mechanization process, it is recommended that the area to be intervened be overgrazed and that all biomass found on the site be controlled.

Soil mechanization

I need to know what mechanization practice I should carry out on the soil according to its level of compaction. A rigid chisel and/or vibratory plow is recommended, accompanied by one or two passes of a heavy harrow.

Application of amendments

Applications such as calcium carbonate or calcium oxide should be incorporated in the last rake pass, so that the chemical reaction with the nutrients in the soil takes place. No soil is fixed in a semester, it is a slow process where the impact is gradual, especially acidic soils.

Pasture establishment

The most common establishment systems are broadcasting and spat sowing. Many times, in order to save 2 or 3 kilos of seed, we are affecting establishment, having sparse sowing. Many producers say I am going to use little seed, I hope my grass will seed and I will take advantage of that seed – which takes time to germinate and the pasture becomes full of weeds. We should use between 8 to 10 kg of sexual seed, guaranteeing establishment of the entire pasture and avoiding extra costs for reseeding and longer rest time for the pasture.

Arable control methodss

Weeds are characterized by a greater germination vigor than grasses, affecting the development of pastures. We need to comprehensively manage these weeds according to their growth habits. This can be done with a machete, a scythe and/or the application of chemically synthesized herbicides at low doses. In order to subsequently carry out their respective monitoring.

Pest and disease control

Once the pasture has been established according to the densities, there must be monitoring and pest control, especially of: mión, blisus bug and armyworm. The presence of fungi such as Cercospora and Rhizoctonia solani must be observed, which, although they do not have an economic impact, cause a delay in the development of pastures.

Fertilization of pastures

Commonly, cattle farmers apply chemical fertilizers such as urea or triple 15, without knowing the nutritional status of the soil, so we may be wasting money. During the sowing period and the first grazing, we need to fertilize, but based on the results of the laboratory analysis performed.

First grazing

It takes at least 3.5 to 4 months for the first grazing, seeking to anchor the pasture in the soil and extend its root system, so that when the animal eats it it does not tear it out. It should preferably be done with small animals, for a short period of occupation and respecting the cutting height of the pastures according to their growth structure, so as not to affect the growth points.

We need pastures that are sustainable over time, respecting life in the soil and the relationship between water, soil, plant and animal. Soil is the basis of all production.

Luis Guillermo Altahona Buelvasis a Zootechnician with a diploma in Rural Extension, a Specialist in Animal Nutrition and a Master in Veterinary Sciences of the Tropics. He is currently an Agricultural Consultant, a professor at the University of Sucre in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and a transhumant producer of cattle under the dual-purpose cattle system for 11 years.