Taking back my pasture....

[pokerboy57]

I purchase a home in central florida which included several acres of weed infested pasture. The pasture is supose to have bahia grass. It's there amoung the virtual plethora weeds....I started taking it back by applying a Lesco weed and feed.

What does lime do for a pasture and when should it be applied ?

 

[schmism]

lime is a PH modifier.

it should be applied after a soil test has been done and after it indicates that lime is needed.

 

[Western]

lime is a PH modifier.

it should be applied after a soil test has been done and after it indicates that lime is needed.

X's 2.

Without a soil sample your likely throwing $$ away. Better to spend $15-25 getting it checked than throw Lime and Fertilizer at it. When you send it in, they usually have a space for you to describe your crop so they can tailor your application rates to that crop.

 

[MMagis]

If your test indicates that you do need lime, it can be applied at any time. It takes quite a while to fully raise the pH. The actual amount of time depends on the lime itself, not all of it is equal.

 

[rd_macgregor]

Here's an article on Bahia grass pasture management in Florida. If your soil test calls for liming, then its likely it will help, but do the test first to get the application rate right.
SL 292/SS505: Soil pH and Liming Issues Affecting Bahiagrass Pasture

BOB

 

[gabby]

Regular mowing will beat back the weeds and give the bahia a boost. Don't worry, bahia will come back if you give it half a chance.

 

[smstonypoint]

Most (all?) land-grant universities offer soil-testing services, either at no charge or for a nominal fee. You should be able to pick up the soil-test kits at your local Cooperative Extension office.

Good luck.

Steve

 

[JakeBrake]

I like ryegrass for the cool weather and bahia for the warm weather. I let the ryegrass go to seed in the spring before I mow it. The bahia will emerge when the weather is really warm. Bahia is tough. Mow the fields regularly and it will beat out anything except, possibly, Johnsongrass. I mow the Johnsongrass patches even more regularly. I use no fertilizer or herbicide.