In an open field, covered in crabgrass, dandelions and weeds basically... what to do?
Question:If you want to progress a land to healthy soft weedless grass... what are the steps to take?
Bulldoze the surface off and start fresh? What are my options here?
What is the best way to prepare land to raise cattle or livestock?
Answers:
1. test your soil with a kit. these are inexpensive and usually at a local hardware store. this will tell you the chemical weaknesses of your soil.
2. your kit will tell you if you need to add lime or if you need to add organic material such as manure.
3. you are going to want to mow the meadow regularly so that the organic materials go back to the soil as mulch, and the meadow doesn't turn to a 1st generation forest.
4. livestock, such as dairy cows, fertilize meadows and keep down growth.
5. you can read several books on this, I would recommend checking out the timber press books on their website.
It certainly depends on your budget, but a healthy pasture can be achieved with a rough-till of the soil and fertilizing and liming, followed by a pasture-grass seed that is formulated for your area. I would have the soil tested for it's nutrient needs before starting. Cattle and "tall grass" grazers go well with fescue, but ideally, you would do better with a mixture of clover, orchard grass and/or bluegrass (depending on your area) if you have animals that will be having calves, kids or foals. Your best bet is to find your agricultural extension agent to help you with your pasture choice.
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