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' ' Mahure and Pasture Management for Recreational Horse Owners Page 9 of 10 <br /> and water conservation districts rent seeders for a nominal fee. <br /> To give the newly seeded forages the best chance of establishing themselves, <br /> University of Minnesota research recommends a spring seeding when the <br /> pasture grasses are five to six inches tall. Since new seedlings can't compete <br /> with established plants without help, consider applying a glyphosate herbicide <br /> like Roundupp at a reduced dosage (about two-thirds strength) before seeding <br /> to suppress the standing grasses just enough to allow new seeds to get started. <br /> Grass pastures may benefit from adding nitrogen over the course of the growing . <br /> season. If soil tests indicate a nitrogen deficiency, consider applying urea in mid <br /> -April, June, and August. <br /> Can graaing legumes lead to bloat? <br /> Pastures with a large percentage of legumes can lead to bloat. To help prevent <br /> bloat, introduce horses to fresh, lush grass/ legume pasture a little bit at a time. <br /> Do not turn hungry horses into a lush grass/legume pasture. Provide dry hay <br /> and plenty of salt and water to newly pastured horses. <br /> What can I do about pocket gophers? <br /> Pastures may suffer from an infestation of pocket gophers. Pocket gophers feed <br /> on forages and their hills can smother plants. Horses can trip on their mounds <br /> and mound entrances. <br /> One way to eradicate pocket gophers is to rotate pastures to crops such as <br /> small grains that effectively eliminate their food source. If rotation is not an <br /> option, you can use repellants, toxicants, and traps to control pocket gophers. <br /> « Back I Next » <br /> « Table of Contents <br /> In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Ple <br /> office or the Extension Store at (800) 876-8636. <br /> http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/components/7540_OS.html 1/15/2013 <br />