Grazing sheep after lime application - Ask Extension
Conflicting information regarding returning sheep to a grazing area after lime application. We spread a Pelleted Lime on a 2 acre field (1 ton). It ha...
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Grazing sheep after lime application #889705
Asked November 12, 2024, 11:11 AM EST
Conflicting information regarding returning sheep to a grazing area after lime application. We spread a Pelleted Lime on a 2 acre field (1 ton). It has rested for 2 weeks and we have had some rain. Is it safe to return sheep to that area to graze?
We are going to apply lime to the area they are currently grazing once they are back on the 2 acres.
Thank you!
Geauga County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello Mary!
The answer to your question really depends on how much lime you applied and how much rain you have received.
Being that it was a pelletized lime, most of it should be on the soil surface rather than stuck to the leaf blades, which is good. The general advice for grazing after liming is to wait until the rain has washed the lime off of the leaf surface and onto the soil.
I suggest walking the pasture a bit to see if you still see pellets of lime or if they have dissolved. If they have dissolved away, you can probably go ahead and graze. However, do not overgraze the pasture. You will want to stop grazing and leave at least a 2-3 inch residue to prevent damage to the pasture plants and to avoid exposure to lime residue and of course, parasites.
I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
The answer to your question really depends on how much lime you applied and how much rain you have received.
Being that it was a pelletized lime, most of it should be on the soil surface rather than stuck to the leaf blades, which is good. The general advice for grazing after liming is to wait until the rain has washed the lime off of the leaf surface and onto the soil.
I suggest walking the pasture a bit to see if you still see pellets of lime or if they have dissolved. If they have dissolved away, you can probably go ahead and graze. However, do not overgraze the pasture. You will want to stop grazing and leave at least a 2-3 inch residue to prevent damage to the pasture plants and to avoid exposure to lime residue and of course, parasites.
I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
