Grazing and Hay Systems in Ohio
By Ricardo Ribeiro and Marilia Chiavegato
Our team is studying how different forage management practices for grazing and hay affect soil carbon stocks and soil health in Ohio. We are evaluating various strategies, including forage diversity, grazing methods, and fertilization across 32 farms in 22 counties across the state. The participating farms represent a wide range of soil types, climates, and management practices. This diversity allows us to capture a broad spectrum of data, making our findings applicable to a variety of farm conditions across Ohio.
In November 2024, Dr. Ribeiro delivered an oral presentation at the ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting with the Forage and Grazinglands Division, highlighting the main findings of the project. The presentation emphasized that perennial forage systems incorporating moderate to high levels of regenerative management practices, such as planned fertilization, manure application, moderate grazing intensity and frequency, and diverse species mixtures, are essential for enhancing soil carbon stocks and improving soil health.
The audience, which included researchers, extension professionals, and students, expressed interest in the practical, on-farm nature of the research. This response reinforced the importance of continuing research that combines scientific rigor with real-world farm conditions. In response to the feedback, our team is planning to further refine the interpretation of regenerative strategies, considering their duration and site-specific factors.