To change the plant species, the environment needs to be changed. This can be accomplished by changing the grazing system, adding lime or fertilizer, or by combining both of them. Livestock will eat some weeds, when they are young and vegetative. Good grazing management will eliminate the need for clipping in most cases. These traits must be matched with the soil characteristics and pasture usage.
Some legumes have specific soil drainage, lime and fertility preferences.
Be sure to consider these when seeding a new pasture. Research and observation have verified that livestock prefer to have their water supply within 600 feet of the grazing area. Animal performance and uniformity of grazing are enhanced because they spend less time and energy walking to the water supply. Water quality should be a high priority. The water system becomes a focal point as the number of paddocks increase.