The return of the rains changes strategy in native fields and requires adjustments to pasture management.

With the return of rains after weeks of drought, native grasslands are entering a phase of ecological reorganization. The regrowth of plants, the resumption of root metabolism, and the reactivation of nutrient cycling processes create an important window of opportunity for those working with pasture-based livestock farming. To assist producers during this period, researchers José Pedro Trindade and Leandro Volk, from Embrapa Pecuária Sul, have developed practical recommendations on the proper management of native grasslands.

According to them, the rain does not mean an immediate return to the management practices adopted before the drought. On the contrary, it is a time that demands attention and strategic adjustments. The main guideline is to avoid excessive animal stocking rates immediately after the return of moisture. At this stage, regrowth is still tender and vulnerable, and allowing the field to accumulate leaf area is essential to ensure good forage production in the following weeks.

Another recommendation is to create temporary rest areas. Allowing parts of the pastures to rest strengthens species with higher forage value, reduces the spread of opportunistic plants, and increases the resilience of the ecosystem. It is also important to prioritize areas of the property that respond more quickly to rainfall, such as lowlands and deeper soils, while shallow soil regions need more time to recover.

The researchers also emphasize the need for attention to water management and access conditions. With wet soil, the risks of damage from trampling on gates, trails, and springs increase, requiring temporary adjustments in animal movement.

Regarding the use of brush cutters, Trindade and Volk state that the practice should be evaluated with caution. Immediately after periods of drought, removing the topsoil can reduce soil protection and delay vegetation recovery. Brush cutting should only be considered when there is a clear diagnosis that the accumulated material is limiting regrowth, always observing the available moisture and the overall condition of the field.

The guidelines are part of the document "Taking advantage of rainfall after periods of drought: practical guidelines for the management of native grasslands," prepared by the researchers and available for... Download from this link..