Preparing the Site for Restoration - Situation #2: Abandoned Agricultural Fields & Pastures
Artificial regeneration of longleaf pine on agricultural lands and pastures has proven to be a particularly challenging endeavor. Weed species encountered on agricultural sites are often more aggressive than on cutover sites. Where a single herbicide application is typically sufficient on cutover sites, multiple applications are sometimes necessary on agricultural fields. Frequently, the more fertile the site, the better the chance one will incur a planting failure due primarily to the abundance of weeds. Also, planting failures are common in established Bermuda, Bahia, and fescue grass pastures because people have thought that you can plant directly into the established grasses.
Studies conducted by The Longleaf Alliance indicate seedling survival on the aforementioned areas is more dependent upon a proper site preparation before planting, than a correct herbaceous release following planting. The following checks have proven time and again to be effective in preparing old agricultural fields and pastures for planting:
Check #1: Evaluate Soils
Check #2: Determine the Site Preparation that Fits the Situation
Check #3: Weigh Costs
For more information on planting longleaf on abandoned agricultural fields and pastures, click here for Longleaf Note #7.