PROTECT YOUR SOIL WITH THESE PLANTS

TerryD — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:02:00 GMT

These plant species are commonly used by farmers in Jackson

County. An improved pasture will consist of a well balanced mixture

of grasses and legumes.

Grasses

• Orchard Grass is a highly productive grass suitable for hay or pasture

on well drained soils. It is not recommended in combination

with tall fescue.

• Tall Fescue is highly productive grass that grows well in a wide

variety of conditions.

• Perennial Ryegrass is a “cool season” grass used in pasture or hay production. It is

compatible with a wide variety of soil conditions.

Legumes

• Ladino White Clover is a long lived highly palatable perennial clover well adapted to

irrigated pasture production in southwestern Oregon.

• Birdsfoot Trefiol is a long-lived, deep rooted legume suitable for hay or pasture in areas

with drainage problems. It is very winter-hardy and tolerant of dry summer conditions.

• New Zealand Winter Clover is a long-lived perennial clover adapted to wet soils and

irrigated land. It is not tolerant of acidic soils.

Nutrient management, based on soil tests results, and irrigation water management are a

couple of easy steps that rural landowners can take to improve forage production on pastures

in Jackson County. Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resource

Conservation, and Oregon State University Southern Oregon Research & Extension

Center are excellent sources of information about these management activities.

Farm & Ranch