Grassland Evaluation Contest Study Guide

The Missouri Forage and Grassland Council, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation; University of Missouri Extension; local Soil and Water Conservation Districts; and, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service sponsor the District, State and Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest. Many Natural Resource Professionals have contributed to this contest, which started in Missouri in 1991. Sixth Edition: August 2009 Introduction Contest Rules District & State Rules Mid America Rules Grassland Condition Appraisal of Existing Conditions What is the pasture type? What is the average growth stage of the dominant forage type? What best describes the condition of the pasture sward? Is weed or brush control needed other than by grazing or soil fertility management? What soil pHs range is recommended for this sward? What fertilizer option is recommended for this pasture? What limestone rate is recommended for this pasture in tons per acre? Soil Test Recommendations Example Report Matching Livstock and Forage When does this livestock herd have the highest forage quality requirement? Does the given system's growth cycle match the seasonal peak nutritional needs of this livestock herd under present management? How many pounds of forage dry matter does this herd need to consume per day during each of these seasons? Is forage availability adequate for this herd in each of these seasons? Pasture Improvement (The answers to questions 3, 4, and 5 in this Pasture Improvement section are based on the choice for question 2.) What changes should be made in livestock management? What type of additional forage is needed to improve this forage program? How should this additional forage be planted? What fertilizer option is recommended for this forage? What limestone rate is recommended for this forage in tons per acre? Wildlife Habitat Three Types of Grasslands Factors That Effect The Value Of Grassland For Wildlife Wildlife Habitat: Bobwhite Quail & Cottontail Rabbit Wildlife Management Practices Soil Evaluation Example Problem Soil Interpretation Score Card Plant Identification Plant Identification List Plant Identification List Answer Sheet Glossary of Selected Terms for Conservation and Resource Use Suggested References Contest Score Cards: Grassland Condition Score Card Soil Interpretation Score Card Wildlife Habitat (A) Score Card Wildlife Habitat (B) Score Card Practical Exercises Scenario Grassland Condition Score Card Matching Livestock and Forage Pasture Improvement Wildlife Habitat Score Card (B) Wildlife Quality of Habitat Armstrong Series Snead Series Lenzburg Series Winfield Series Questions or Comments: mfgc@mchsi.com