Keys to Successful Land Management
By Horse SA www.horsesa.asn.au and the Mount Lofty Ranges
Catchment Program

• Develop a property plan which reflects your overall vision for the property.
• Select an approved horse management system:
- Low Input (extensive grazing)
- Medium Input (grazing but horses stabled at times)
- High Input (horses stabled and hand fed)
• Determine an appropriate stocking rate (Dry Sheep Equivalents) for your
property.
• Follow an effective pasture management program:
- graze paddocks in rotation (graze at 12 cm, rest at 5 cm)
- soil test to determine lime and fertilizer requirements
- manage lush spring pasture growth by – slashing, hay cutting
or grazing with other livestock
- maintain 70% ground cover at all times (minimum height 3 cm).
- seek advice on suitable pasture mixes, management and
renovation.
• Develop an integrated weed control strategy to eradicate toxic weeds
(e.g. Salvation Jane) and eliminate problem weeds (e.g. Guildford Grass):
- maintain soil fertility
- graze paddocks in rotation
- improve pastures
- use selective sprays (if required)
- control weeds entering the property (check hay for weed seeds)
- quarantine new horses for three days to prevent seed spread
- avoid grazing areas bare which encourages Salvation Jane and
other weeds.
• Develop an integrated manure management strategy which may include:
- collecting and selling compost
- harrowing manure in paddocks
- encouraging dung beetles
Continually evaluate your strategies and update your property plan as required.
Remember
Hand feed hay only on compacted rubble or grassed areas.
Vary feeding spots to reduce overgrazing and muddy areas.
Consider electric fencing to manage waterlogged or muddy areas.
Continuous set grazing small paddocks is a recipe for environmental and equine health problems.