Tillage and Overseeding Pastures for Winter Forage Production in North Florida

Abstract

This study evaluates tillage and overseeding practices to enhance winter forage production in North Florida. Despite the region's mild winter, warm-season perennial forages offer limited grazing during late fall and winter months. The research explores planting winter forages on prepared seedbeds for earlier establishment and grazing compared to overseeding into perennial grasses. Early-maturing varieties like oats, wheat, and rye are recommended to meet critical forage needs. The study also discusses challenges and strategies for overseeding pastures dominated by bahiagrass or bermudagrass, emphasizing the need for appropriate tillage methods to reduce competition. Practical recommendations are provided for optimizing winter forage production and ensuring sustainable livestock enterprises. Document first published in May 2002.

Keywords

• tillage
• forage