Timber management has included using prescribed burning every three years to hold down accumulation of pine straw. The first year of burning should be 6 to 7 years after planting. Thinning occurred first at 10 to 12 years post-planting, and every five years thereafter. This stimulates crimson clover production in the early spring. Crimson clover was planted to increase pasture quality and to provide nitrogen for both the bahiagrass and the pines.
Excess straw begins to cause problems at about year five.
Control grazing forces the cattle to graze up to the edges of the trees. Facilities include portable cow pens and high-tensile electric fencing. Interior fencing is generally one wire, placed between rows of trees. Fire-breaks and ramps are overseeded with ryegrass to maximize land use and forage production. Summary Combining the production of pines and cattle on improved pastures offers an opportunity for multiple-commodity yields.