Establishment and Management of Artificial Pasture at the Drylands

Pastures are the most important forage source in animal nutrition. However, natural pastures incapable to produce sufficient and good quality forage permanently throughout the grazing season. Feed production becomes a bigger problem, especially under arid climatic conditions. In this case, there is a need for additional feed sources. In this respect, artificial pasture plant is an important option. Necessary attentions should be paid to both of plant building techniques as well as grazing management during the creation of artificial pasture in drylands. Such as, the soil must be ripped and processed properly, forage crops having resistant to drought and grazing should be selected, weed–free place and seed should be used, and a proper care should be taken to the selection and quantity of fertilizer during pasture plantation. In addition, pasture should not be grazed at least one grazing season just after plantation, afterwards, grazing should be preferred with alternative grazing system by giving rest to pasture.