The herd is consuming pasture grass like it is going out of style. This year, I have a plan to breathe new life into our pastures by taking a sustainable approach to fertilization. My hopes are to stimulate the grass with a bit of manure. I took a loop onto our hay field which we took control of last year and noticed that the growth there was just about non existent. That field has been “mined” basically for years just putting chemical urea fertilizer on it to push growth and take, take , take.
I ordered 34 ton of Turkey manure which hopefully will come the end of this week to top dress and stimulate growth. This organic approach to fertilization will be part of my attempt to reinvigorate the microbes in the soil along with several foliar spray applications of organic carbon based fertilizer to feed the microbes through foliar feeding. This will be an arduous process but I believe that in the end, this field will be very abundant like the other fields I have been managing organically stimulating the herd of microbes below that will feed the herd of bovine animals above.
It’s a journey that involves nurturing both the land and the herd, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Stimulating Growth with Composted Manure
One of the first steps in our organic fertilization plan is to follow the cattle with applications of composted manure from last year. The idea behind this is to give the grass a boost of nutrients and stimulate its growth. The herd has been enjoying the lush pasture, and now it’s time to give back to the land that sustains them.
A Troubled Hay Field
As I ventured onto our hay field, a piece of land we took control of last year, I couldn’t help but notice that the growth there was nearly non-existent. It became clear that this field had been “mined” for years, with a heavy reliance on chemical urea fertilizer to force growth without replenishing the soil. It was a classic case of take, take, take, without giving back.
Turning to Organic Fertilization
To address the issue and transition to a more sustainable approach, I decided to order 34 tons of Turkey manure. This organic fertilizer, rich in nutrients, will be top-dressed on the field, with the hopes of kickstarting a revival in its productivity. It’s a move away from the synthetic, chemical-driven methods of the past, towards a more natural and environmentally friendly solution.
Feeding the Microbes
But revitalizing the soil is not just about adding nutrients; it’s also about nurturing the microorganisms within it. These tiny but vital creatures play a crucial role in maintaining soil health. To support them, we’re planning several foliar spray applications of organic carbon-based fertilizer. This foliar feeding directly provides nutrients to the microbes, further enriching the soil ecosystem.
A Journey Worth Taking
Undoubtedly, this will be an arduous process, one that requires patience and dedication. However, I firmly believe that in the end, this field will be as abundant as the others I’ve been managing organically. By stimulating the herd of microbes below the ground, we are ensuring a healthier and more productive pasture for the herd of bovine animals above.
In this journey to revitalize our pasture, we’re not just tending to the land; we’re embracing a sustainable farming ethos that respects the delicate balance of nature. It’s a commitment to the health of our soil, the well-being of our cattle, and the future of responsible farming practices. Stay tuned for updates on this transformative endeavor as we nurture our land back to life.