Pastures

Pastures are lands covered with herbaceous vegetation that are managed primarily for grazing by livestock or as forage to be cut for hay or silage. Unlike meadows, which are typically mowed for hay, pastures emphasize continuous or rotational use for grazing. They may be permanent or temporary, and are often improved with mixtures of grasses and legumes to enhance yield, nutrition, and soil health.

Common pasture species vary by climate. In temperate regions, cool-season grasses such as perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and timothy are frequently paired with legumes like red clover or white clover. Tropical and subtropical pastures favor warm-season grasses such as Brachiaria, Bermuda grass, and Kikuyu, often with legumes such as Centrosema or Desmanthus. The precise composition depends on rainfall, soil, and management goals.

Grazing management aims to balance forage supply with livestock demand. Stocking rate and grazing intensity influence sward structure, regrowth, and biodiversity. Rotational or strip grazing, rest periods, and controlled stocking help prevent overgrazing, reduce soil erosion, and encourage deeper rooting. Legume inclusion reduces synthetic nitrogen inputs and can improve protein content. Fertility management, lime application, and irrigation or drainage are used to maintain soil health and productivity.

Pastures play a key role in livestock systems, offering forage, supporting dairy and beef production, and contributing to soil conservation and carbon cycling when managed sustainably. Challenges include drought, weeds, soil compaction, and nutrient losses, addressed through adaptive grazing, reseeding, and integrated nutrient management.