| Managing Small Acreage Pastures During and After Drought |
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by L.K. Warren and P. Aravis Maintaining the health of small acreage pastures can be challenging, even in years with normal rainfall and snowpack. The semi-arid climate of Colorado prevents dry-land pastures from achieving the same level of productivity observed in states that receive greater precipitation. As a result, small, non-irrigated pastures are sensitive to grazing and hoof traffic. Drought conditions further hamper pasture productivity. Lack of moisture suppresses plant growth and retards root development. Without adequate root structure, plants are unable to extract moisture and nutrients from the soil, which further limits plant growth. In order to survive, plants rely on the few leaves they have to capture solar energy and manufacture sugars through the process of photosynthesis. These sugars, along with small amounts of stored reserves, are used to support basic life functions. Allowing animals unlimited access to pastures during drought can further weaken plants. Grazing and hoof traffic removes leaves necessary for photosynthesis. With growth already limited by drought, the plant is forced to utilize more of its stored sugar to grow replacement leaves. Repeated use of the pasture can eventually deplete the plant’s energy reserves, resulting in death of the plant or severely reducing its chance for survival.
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