To ensure pastures are not overgrazed use a designed sacrifice area, restricting damage to one location for the duration of the drought. Feeding hay or other feedstuffs in the sacrifice area to protect the crowns of highly productive perennial forages. Above all, save the crown. Know the plants in the pastures. Identifying the dominant grasses and legumes in each field increases flexibility in prioritizing fields that are better able to withstand drought stress.
Drought tolerance is related to the extensiveness and depth of the plant s roots.
Some grasses like orchardgrass and tall fescue have larger and deeper root systems, which make them more tolerant of drought conditions. Specific vegetative parts can be used to identify desirable grasses. For example, orchardgrass always has flattened stem bases at the crown. Weeds are water wasters. Identifying and controlling weeds early in the season will save valuable water and increase quality of forage, since some weeds accumulate high concentrations of nitrates.