THE MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL


Farm Stewardship presented by


Spring Pasture Management by Maryland Department of Agriculture Offi ce of Resource Conservation


Got Mud? As any horse farm owner knows, April showers bring more than just


May fl owers. Mud can be a common and major issue wherever horses congregate, such as gates, waterers, and hay feeders. T e problems mud causes are worse than just a fi lthy horse that needs extra grooming; mud transmits bacterial and fungal diseases, including thrush, mud fever, and rain scald; creates unsafe footing that risks injuries from slipping, and is the perfect breeding ground for unwanted insects like mosquitos, which carry West Nile Virus. Mud also increases soil erosion and nutrient run- off , carrying sediment and nutrients from manure and fertilizers into the Chesapeake Bay. So what can we do to combat this? How do we win the war on mud?


Causes of Mud T ere are several contributing factors to muddy areas on the farm aside


from rain. Clay particles readily absorb large amounts of water, making soils high in clay more susceptible to mud. Manure also holds water, so areas with excess buildup likewise tend to become muddy. Mud is often found in low-lying fi elds with poor drainage. High traffi c areas, com- monly around waterers, gates, and feeders, lead to compacted soil restrict- ing water infi ltration. Insuffi cient plant roots from poor pasture manage- ment can ruin soil structure. Additionally, roof runoff from buildings without gutter systems contributes to the development of muddy areas. T ankfully, there are many preventative measures you can take to miti- gate this issue, some of which are eligible for state funding assistance.


Pasture Management Proper pasture management is crucial for controlling mud. Test your


soil every three years and follow lime and fertilizer recommendations to maintain healthy and vigorous grass stands. Controlling weeds by mow- ing or spraying also helps support growth. For fi elds in dire need of resto- ration, try overseeding and allowing the grass one season to grow to help with recovery. It’s also incredibly important to avoid overgrazing, which shortens and weakens plant roots leading to a reduced lifespan of plants. An eff ective tool for preventing overgrazing is to implement rotational


grazing, where horses are rotated through several pastures that have been rested to 6 inches or more and then moved to a pasture when they have been grazed down to 3 inches.


Sacrifi ce Area It’s critical to keep horses off wet pastures, as it damages plant roots and


www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580


compacts the soil, reducing infi ltration. T e best method for preserving the health of pastures during wet weather is to establish a sacrifi ce area or “loafi ng lot” where horses should stay during the winter, early spring, and whenever pastures are wet or overgrazed. T e size of the sacrifi ce area is variable depending on the horse, but it is generally recommended to have at least 600 square feet per horse. T ere are many footing options for sacrifi ce areas, but perhaps the most


eff ective is a heavy use pad, where geotextile fabric is laid over an excavat- ed area and covered with compacted layers of stone and bluestone dust.


Manure Management Regularly remove manure from pastures and paddocks to prevent mud


accumulation and reduce nutrient runoff . Collected manure can be com- posted and spread on pasture during the growing season to improve soil fertility. Manure piles should be covered during rainy weather via a tarp or roofed waste storage structure. For larger pastures, consider dragging the fi eld to break up manure clumps instead.


Grass Buff er Strips Grass buff er strips are natural fi ltration systems that help slow runoff .


It’s a particularly good idea to place them around your sacrifi ce area, especially if it is located near a stream. Buff ers should be at least 50 feet wide and can be grazed in the spring and summer.


Rain Gutters


Installing roof runoff structures on buildings in or near your pastures is another great way to control mud and reduce soil erosion and nutri- ent runoff . In addition to installing gutters on the buildings, be sure to include downspouts directing the water away from the area.


Planning and Financial Assistance


While implementing some of these methods may seem daunting and expensive, the Maryland Department of Agriculture off ers technical assistance and conservation grants through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program (MACS) for Best Management Practices (BMPs). Grants provide cost-share for projects including inte- rior fencing for rotational grazing, heavy use areas, waste storage struc- tures, and roof runoff structures. Farms with at least 1 animal unit, or 1,000 pounds of live animal weight, are eligible for this funding. Contact your local soil conservation district for free technical assistance and help applying for cost-share grants.


Learn more at MDA.MARYLAND.GOV/HOW THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | APRIL 2025 | 15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48