Submitted by: Liliane Silva, Forages Specialist, Clemson University
Stockpiling is a management practice that defers forage availability for use later. This practice helps to decrease costs associated with feeding hay in livestock operations. In the southeast U.S., perennial grasses such as bahiagrass and bermudagrass are used to close the forage gap in early fall and extend the grazing season. Stockpiled bermudagrass has moderate forage quality and represents an economical option to reduce feed purchase.
Most forage systems are based on the use of bahiagrass or bermudagrass in the region. Once these species enter dormancy in early Fall, there is a forage gap in the farm until the cool-season forages are ready to be grazed. Stockpiling is a practice that allows for forage accumulation in the pasture for grazing later when growth is limited or null. Generally, the bermudagrass forage production period ranges from April through late September. To begin the stockpiling period, the recommendation is to graze or cut the field to 4-inch stubble height in late August. Then, apply around 50 lb of N and K and let the forage accumulate for 6 weeks. Grazing should be initiated around mid-October.
The grazing management should be designed to optimize grazing efficiency. Rotational management can be used, but strip grazing is the most implemented. Strip grazing (Figure 1) consists of using temporary fencing to have animals graze an area for a short period of time and progressively moving them to the next strip ahead. This practice allows for the adjustment of the size of strips based on the forage mass available, allowing animals to spend 2 to 3 days in each strip optimizing the forage removal. When using strip grazing, it is essential to plan for the placement of water throughs and mineral feeders before the rotation is initiated. In terms of forage quality, stockpiled bermudagrass crude protein ranges from 8 to 12%, depending on the fertilization management implement.
Figure 1. Strip grazing stockpiled bermudagrass helps to close the forage gap in early fall.
Incorporating alfalfa into bermudagrass stands is an option to decrease reliance on nitrogen fertilizer while improving forage production and quality. Alfalfa is a perennial legume with high forage production and quality and has similar drainage and nutrient requirements to bermudagrass. Over the past decades, the development of newer varieties and improved management practices have contributed to the return of alfalfa to the region. Improving the forage quality available in fall months can help reduce the need for supplementation. Under stockpiled alfalfa-bermudagrass systems, crude protein averages range from 14 to 18% in early Fall and represent a viable option to meet nutrient requirements for different animal categories.
Figure 2. Alfalfa-bermudagrass systems provide improved forage quality and can be stockpiled for grazing during Fall.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
