Getting Your Pasture Ready for Spring Green-Up

With colder days coming to an end, winter is slowly making way for spring. As temperatures rise, it’s time to begin preparing your pasture for spring green-up. Taking a few proactive steps now can improve forage production, reduce weed pressure, and set your grazing system up for success.

Soil Tests

The first step in preparing your pasture is determining what your soil needs to support optimal growth. The best way to do this is through a soil test.

A soil test provides information on soil pH, lime requirements, macronutrient status (P, K, Ca, Mg, S), and micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn, B), depending on the test selected. In Florida’s sandy soils, nutrient management is especially important because excess nutrients are easily lost.

If you are sampling multiple acres, subdivide fields into sampling zones based on soil type, management history, or productivity differences. Within each zone:

Collect multiple soil cores
Mix thoroughly in a clean bucket
Allow soil to air dry
Place the mixed sample in a labeled bag for submission

Soil test forms and instructions are available through the UF/IFAS Soil Testing Laboratory.

Liming

Spring is also a good time to address soil pH issues identified in your soil test report.

If soil pH is low, dolomitic limestone may be recommended. Lime applications take time to adjust pH, so earlier applications are beneficial.

If soil pH is high, switching your nitrogen source to ammonium sulfate can gradually help lower pH over time. Always follow soil test recommendations to avoid unnecessary expense.

Fertilizing

Fertilization replaces nutrients removed through grazing and hay harvest. Your soil test will guide how much nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to apply.

Plan fertilizer applications carefully:

Avoid over-application — more fertilizer does not mean more production.
Do not apply immediately before heavy rainfall events.
Apply when cool-season forages are declining and warm-season grasses are beginning active growth.

Excess nutrients in Florida soils are prone to leaching, which increases costs and reduces efficiency. Strategic timing improves both profitability and environmental stewardship.

Weed Control

Spring is also a critical time for weed management. Weed control options include:

Rotational or intensified grazing
Mowing
Chemical control (when appropriate)

Many small acreage and equine producers prefer mowing over herbicide use. However, herbicides recommended by UF/IFAS are labeled for use in grazing systems and are safe for livestock when applied according to label directions.

If mowing, do so before weeds go to seed — preventing reproduction is key to long-term control.

Rotational grazing is one of the most effective long-term weed management tools. A three- or four-pasture rotation system allows you to:

Graze for approximately one week
Remove livestock
Mow or clip remaining weeds
Apply fertilizer if needed
Rotate to the next pasture

This approach promotes uniform grazing, reduces weed pressure, and improves forage quality.

By focusing on soil health, proper fertility, and proactive weed management, you can improve pasture productivity and sustainability throughout the growing season.

For additional resources on forage management and weed control, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.