On August 20th, we hosted a pasture walk at Grassy Acres Horse Retreat, owned by Elaine Miller. The event focused on plant/root physiology, mud management, conservation practices, grazing sticks, forage calculations, weed identification, and poisonous plants.
Previously, Soil and Water has assisted Grassy Acres Horse Retreat with various conservation programs. In 2013, Elaine Miller received the Clermont Soil and Water Cooperator of the Year award for her dedication to conservation efforts on her property. Over the years, she has implemented numerous projects through the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), with four contracts funded in 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2013. These projects included installing a manure storage facility, dry hydrants, an access road, a heavy use area, and waterers.
OSU Extension played a crucial role in organizing the event. Gigi Neal, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Clermont County OSU Extension, led a session on soil testing pastures. Christine Gelley, an Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator at Noble County OSU Extension, presented on plant and root physiology and forage calculation, including using grazing sticks. Sara Masteller, an Associate Professor from OSU ATI in Equine programs, conducted a session on forage and poisonous plant identification.
Interested in other horse related programs? Go to https://forages.osu.edu/events to see upcoming events hosed by OSU extension!
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Equine pasture, nutrition, and parasite resources:
About Ohio State ATI:
Virginia Buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) is a native plant that could cause problems in both your yard and pasture. This warm season perennial is a prostrate plant with spreading branches. These branches can form roots at each node, causing it to spread like a mat. Mainly a problem in the southern US, buttonweed is found along the Ohio River Valley in Ohio, at its northern extent.
The buttonweed plant has opposite leaves 1-3 inches in length and less than an inch wide. As the plant matures, older leaves will begin turning purple. Leaves are also known to become yellow-mottled due to a virus that attacks the plant. Small white star shaped flowers with four petals, bloom beginning in the summer through the fall. Sometime the flower will have purple streaks. This plant grows in disturbed areas and areas with moist soils.
Having a healthy pasture helps prevent weeds from being introduced. Having a thick grass layer that is not overgrazed is key. Overgrazing causes openings to the soil where weeds can then occupy. Proper soil chemistry is also key, take those soil samples and follow the recommendations. Pastures need proper nutrition to grow healthy. Improving the drainage of your fields, sometimes difficult in our county, will keep this weed at bay. If this plant is a nuisance in your pastures, follow state extension fact sheets for best methods of control.
