Recent heavy rains may provide relief to Missouri’s two-year drought, but Carson Roberts says one good rain won’t undo the damage to mismanaged pastures.

“Remember, it is not about how much rain you get,” the University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist says. “It’s about how much rain you can keep and access.”

Remnants of Hurricane Beryl made their way into Missouri last week, providing a break in the heat and adding to the moisture levels across the state.

The brunt of the precipitation fell across mid-Missouri, with reports of total rainfall near Columbia topping 6 inches. Areas of St. Charles saw nearly 9 inches in a week.

But the additional moisture may not help some pastures still overgrazed from a multiyear drought. The problem: Poor infiltration and weak roots can combine to create a compounding effect on the productivity of a pasture between rains.

Improving both is important to future grass and forbs growth, Roberts says, regardless of the amount of rainfall.

Tips to rejuvenate pastures

In a recent MU Extension news release, Roberts and MU Extension agronomist Valerie Tate offer four strategies to rebuild root structures:

1. Give it a rest. Giving grass and forbs pastures a break from grazing, haying or mowing allows plants to invest in their root systems. Avoid restocking too quickly after drought, as it can stress pastures before they fully recover. Stop haying or mowing weakened areas to prevent further stress on root systems.

2. Boost fertility. Weakened root systems struggle to access nutrients. Prioritize soil sample analysis to determine nutrient needs. Focus on adjusting pH levels and providing phosphorus and potassium.

3. Reduce soil compaction. Compacted soils have poor water-storing abilities and reduced infiltration. Wet or moist soils are especially susceptible to compaction. Avoid driving heavy equipment across pastures during these conditions.

4. Create a litter bank. Litter on the soil surface offers several benefits, including reduced splash erosion, increased soil aggregations and lower soil surface temperatures. Thatch on the soil surface increases soil aggregation through reduced erosion, improved organic matter and increased soil life. It also reduces direct sunlight to the soil, protecting against overheating, and ultimately, decreased water infiltration.

The optimum way to establish thatch is giving pastures a rest period and allowing grass to grow. While this can be difficult, Roberts says, a deposit in the litter bank is an investment that will pay dividends in the future.

What is splash erosion?

Splash erosion happens when raindrops impact the soil, causing movement of soil particles. These dislocated particles can clog the pores and micropores in the soil, reducing the amount of water that can infiltrate the soil.