This webpage focuses on native and introduced grass species with respect to their desirability and grazing use on range pastures in Florida. Rangeland covers 11,000,000 acres in Florida and range grasses are an important dietary component for livestock, especially for the beef cow. Descriptions of each grass includes identification criteria, growth characteristics, site adaptation, and value as forage to livestock. Some are highly desirable forage grasses (i.e. preferred), whereas others are considered weeds (i.e. nonpreferred). Rangeland vegetation is not exclusively grasses. Shrubs (woody plants), forbs (broadleaf plants), and grass-like plants are also important. |
| Grazing management requires the rancher to understand plant growth and development in addition to animal behavior. Cattle selectively graze from forages present in range and/or pastures. Mis-management or over-grazing of range will result in the preferred grass species decreasing in abundance. Likewise, nonpreferred species (increasers, invaders) will begin to increase in abundance and productivity of the range (carrying capacity) declines. However, if a rancher manages for the desirable grasses using a controlled grazing system and range improvement practices, range condition will be maintained and/or improved. Therefore, the rancher must learn to identify the preferred and nonpreferred grass species which are present in rangelands.
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