Grasses that people commonly refer to as "grassland" are typically wild grasses that grow naturally and have strong resilience. These grasses usually germinate early in spring, are drought-resistant, and can withstand earthworm damage, but they tend to have low nutritional value, poor taste, and low yields. In contrast, the forage grasses currently promoted are artificially cultivated species with higher nutritional content and better yield. For example, chicory, a high-yield and high-quality forage, can produce between 10,000 to 20,000 kilograms of fresh grass annually and is rich in essential amino acids that many animals need.
Different grass species require different soil conditions. Saline-alkali soils are best suited for salt-tolerant grasses like sandgrass and ryegrass. In orchards, shade-tolerant grasses should be interplanted. Neutral or slightly alkaline soils are ideal for alfalfa and sand-dawn, while acidic soils are suitable for red clover and white clover. In hilly or lowland areas with poor soil and limited water, it's best to plant grasses that are resistant to both flooding and drought, such as alfalfa, clover, tall fescue, and early-maturing oyster grass.
Some farmers believe that grass requires little management, which leads to underdeveloped fields, thin growth, and excessive weeds, negatively affecting yield and economic returns. However, high-quality pastures, just like crops such as rice or wheat, require proper scientific techniques. Before planting, the field should be leveled and the soil prepared properly. It’s also advisable to sow forage in autumn so that it can accumulate nutrients during winter and promote stronger growth in spring. Early weeding is crucial to prevent weed competition. Fertilization is also necessary to support healthy growth. Therefore, pasture management should be as meticulous as that of other crops to achieve optimal results.
Contrary to some beliefs, forage grasses have a higher nutritional value than traditional grains. Scientific analysis shows that forage grasses are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, alfalfa hay contains 14% to 18% crude protein, which is higher than rice (8.3%–8.5%), wheat (10.8%–12.1%), and corn (8.6%). Additionally, forage grasses provide a wide range of essential nutrients that are often lacking in grain-based diets.
The main purpose of planting grass is for grazing, but this differs from traditional pastoral areas. Grazing grass alone may not be sufficient, and it's important to supplement with concentrates to meet the nutritional needs of livestock. Different animals have different dietary requirements. For example, pigs and geese benefit from short-cut fresh grass, while cattle and sheep need longer grass. Rabbits should not be fed grass with high moisture content, and hay is more suitable for pigs and poultry. Each animal has specific forage preferences, such as ryegrass, alfalfa, and clover being ideal for various livestock, while Sudan grass and pennisetum are better for cattle, sheep, and fish.
Proper planning is essential when combining grass cultivation with animal raising. For example, each cow requires about 1.5 mu of pasture, and one mu of ryegrass can support around 150 geese or 10 sheep. It's important to align the grass-raising plan with the seasonal availability of forage to maximize efficiency.
Finally, while pasture may not generate immediate commercial benefits on its own, combining it with livestock can significantly increase its value. According to surveys, converting wheat and rice fields into forage grass for dairy cows can add approximately 1,476 yuan per mu, demonstrating the potential of integrating pasture with animal farming.
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