Bob Hotchkiss, Northwest Area Wildlife Biologist and area WRP Coordinator for Arkansas Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), reminds landowners that it is very important for farmers to consider their soil type when making a decision to clear land for pasture.
Landowners clear land for many reasons. According to Chris Moyle of Great Views Brush Clearing, LLC, of Lebanon, Mo., “Most farm/ranch clients are looking to increase pasture productivity or regain an aesthetic look that they remember the property having in years past. Other reasons include creating wildlife habitat or improving hunting land, timber stand management, wildfire safety barriers and fence line management.”
The long-term value of cleared land is a direct result of how the land is cleared, Moyle added. “The topsoil in the Ozarks is a precious commodity, and every producer knows they need to protect whatever is available on their property. Using the appropriate clearing methods can enhance the value of the land for future generations instead of depleting the value of the soil available.”
According to Moyle, “Improper dozer use leaves behind holes that take decades to heal, and a surface covered with more rock than dirt.”
The modern methods of clearing, involving mulching, heavy duty mowing, and shearing or sawing of larger trees, are encouraged in order to preserve soil fertility and water quality.
“Since there are numerous wetland soils in Arkansas and across the country, it is important to remember that there are regulations that could restrict areas they can clear and furthermore they could possibly lose program benefits for land clearing on the wrong soils,” Hotchkiss said.
Hotchkiss would like farmers to know they should always be willing to work with USDA representatives when conducting long-term planning of their land management. Not only to make sure regulations are met for current programs a landowner may be under, but to see if other programs may help meet the needs and goals of the owner’s land management. People in county offices are there to help local landowners.
The old method of dozing out the vegetation may be acceptable if the soil will be disturbed anyway for clearing for building projects or converting an area to row crop planting. However, modern clearing methods are preferred and will work toward managing the vegetation without disturbing the topsoil.
“Just as the concept of a no-till seed drill works to prevent soil erosion, the practices of vegetation mulching, shearing and sawing of larger trees leaves the topsoil intact,” Moyle said. “Using these methods instead of dozing or grubbing will provide pasture land that can be managed with regular agricultural mowing equipment and rapid re-growth of desirable forage plants.”
To prevent regrowth of previous plants and to establish the desired plant base, land cleared by mulching or shearing/sawing can be reseeded using the best practice for the planting involved.
Other considerations to be handled when clearing land include right of way easements and utilities that may cross through land. If you are unsure of these items contact your county office or extension agent for assistance.
