Below are some considerations that each grazier should evaluate as good pasture management decisions are made. When pastures are continually overgrazed, plants are weakened and many productive species die, and unproductive ones replace them. Leaf area is reduced and the growth rate is slow. In order for pasture production to be profitable, the forage produced must be utilized. Under grazing also allows briars and woody species to get established.
Acid soils can limit plant growth and vigor, especially for legumes.
Lime needs are determined by soil test. Nitrogen fertilizer should be used sparingly. Nitrogen fertilizer increases yields for only a short time and then must be repeated, if yields are to be maintained. Nitrogen fertilizer tends to decrease legume content, because grass growth shades the legumes and reduces their vigor. Legumes require high lime fertilizer levels.