Over the next month we are going to write a series of posts about how to increase organic matter and biology in pastoral systems. This is a very important topic and one that can have huge implications on a farming system. The posts are going to focus on the following topics:
- Diverse Pastures
- Topping
- Sabbatical Fallows
- Compost
- Targeted Biological Inputs
3. Sabbatical Fallows
A sabbatical or, pastoral, fallow often involves the ‘spelling’ of a pasture from early spring (August/ September) to autumn (April/May). During the fallow much organic matter (plant litter) is returned directly to the soil surface. This includes nearly all the N fixed each year by legumes. The accumulation of organic N, as plant litter, continues until the pasture is mob stocked in autumn. This ‘pulse’ of organic N returned in the plant litter over the fallow might improve winter and spring production after the fallow.
In the longer term the soil’s improved N status might ensure more effective use of applied fertiliser and the build up of humus improves the soil structure and performance for the next season.
