Corn Residue Grazing Impacts on Soil
As winter approaches, corn residue offers a practical, low-cost grazing option for livestock. However, many landowners worry that it might hurt crop yield or soil health. Is that true?
Research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that with proper stocking rates, grazing corn residue has minimal downsides and provides real benefits. Studies reveal that grazing doesn’t significantly impact soil properties when done responsibly and can even improve microbial activity, which enhances nutrient cycling for the following crop.
UNL researchers tested both fall and spring grazing, finding that soil compaction stayed within safe limits, even at higher stocking densities. Grazing cattle helped return nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil, enriching it for future crops. In some cases, soybean yields following the corn crop were even higher after residue grazing compared to ungrazed fields.
Proper timing and stocking rates when grazing are key to getting the best from both your fields and cattle. Winter grazing, when the ground is often frozen, lowers the risk of compaction. If you graze late into the season, as fields thaw out, lower stocking densities and carefully time grazing around precipitation events.
By utilizing corn residue as a winter feed, livestock owners can benefit from sustainable soil and crop practices, reduce feed costs, and improve soil health, all while preserving — or even boosting — yields.
Prescribed Burning for Cedar Tree Control
Eastern red cedar trees are a significant and expanding problem across many pasture and rangeland acres in Nebraska. When fire is planned and controlled properly, it can be a very useful tool to control these unwanted plants.
It is estimated that a single cedar tree with an 8-foot diameter could reduce forage production by 3 pounds. If you had a density of 200 trees per acre, that would translate into nearly a 1/3 loss in forage production because of the effects of area coverage, moisture use, and shading.
In addition to cedar tree impacts on forage production, excessive cedar trees will also dramatically alter habitat for many wildlife species that are adapted to a grassland environment. Also, in the event of a wildfire, uncontrolled cedar tree growth can result in devastating and destructive wildfires.
While mechanical cutting or shredding and herbicides are options to control cedar trees, a prescribed burn is by far the most economical approach.
Safe and controlled prescribed burns don’t just happen. It takes preparation, planning, and an understanding of how fire reacts in certain weather conditions, with particular fuel loads, and on various types of topography.
You can begin to learn how to conduct a safe and effective prescribed burn by attending the 2024 Nebraska Prescribed Fire Conference. This conference will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Kearney. To learn more about this conference, including registration and agenda, visit the Nebraska Prescribed Fire Conference site.
