96 IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF FARM PASTURES 



per acre than was produced from the lightly cropped paddock. 

 Furthermore, at the end of the three years' test the sod on the 

 closely grazed area was in much better condition, and there 

 were fewer weeds, than where light grazing was practiced. 



The results reported may apply to most bluegrass and possibly 

 to other sodgrass areas, but before generalizations may safely 

 be made the test should be extended to other States and to varied 

 conditions. Quite different results from those recorded would 

 be obtained on bunchgrass lands. 



Management of Nonsod Pastures. — Overgrazing is the 

 rule rather than the exception on pastures in which the pre- 

 dominating growth is bunchgrass or such other herbaceous 

 vegetation as does not form a sod. 



Number of Stock to Graze. — It is difficult to estimate ac- 

 curately the number of animals a given pasture will safely carry 



Fig. 27. — a farm pasture IN GOOD CONDITION. 



For many years in succession this pasture has been grazed on the basis of one cow and her calf to the 



acre for six and one-half months. 



season after season. Unless one knows approximately how 

 many animals the area has supported in good condition in the 

 past, it is best at the outset to decide on a figure somewhat below 

 what one would expect the area to support in the more favorable 

 seasons (Fig. 27). However, there are exceptions to this state- 

 ment. For example, very cheap gains may be made by feeding 

 a fairly heavy grain ration to " baby " beeves or steers on 



