In Australia both growing or buying fodder are important activities to maintain the stability and growth of our respective properties. Typically, when growing pasture/fodder we all get surprised by variable weather within the seasons. The biggest limiting factor can be the recurrence interval of rainfall.
When plants grow, they expend nearly half their energy (40%) into the soil profile. This action is how roots grow, and build mutual relationships with soil microbes/fungi. Plants receive most minerals via this method from the microbes/fungi which unlock and brings minerals close to the root hairs of plants. These minerals (trace minerals) are important and are literally the engine systems of plants (shoot system, root system, photosynthesis, reproduction, cell division etc.).
It is important that we set up our pasture/fodder, so it can ensure that it maximises all opportunities to grow and produce. If circumstances change the plants are set-up to produce – i.e., if plants have a ready supply of minerals, they will more likely expend their efforts elsewhere – searching for soil moisture and as such expanding root systems. When the next rainfall comes, they have a bigger root stock to expand from.
Nothing is perfect but if we can assist in getting extra growing days into a plant before it goes into a stress period (brought on by cold weather, a lengthened recurrence interval of rainfall or hot weather) we improve our returns. Instead of the growing pasture/fodder chasing minerals (trace minerals) that might be naturally in low supply within the soil, we provide them and as such the plants are more likely to be searching for water. As a result, we improve our pasture/fodder production capabilities.
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