United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service

"Range Management for Important Native Grasses of Florida" is an extension of an earlier publication "Important Native Grasses for Range Conservation in Florida." The latter publication centered entirely on Florida's common native range grasses. "Important Native Grasses for Range Conservation in Florida" served us well for over 20 years and four reprints. It was felt that a consolidation of range ecological principles, range sites, rangeland improvement techniques along with grass descriptions was badly needed. Therefore, what started out to be a basic revision of "Important Native Grasses for Range Conservation in Florida" evolved into a new book requiring an appropriate name change. Although we are introducing considerably more information, the objectives remain the same in providing a document for ranchers, land managers, Soil Conservation Service field personnel, and others interested in the proper use and management of Florida's rangeland ecosystems. A knowledge of common range plants is essential to the successful management of ranges and grazable woodland for livestock production, wildlife habitat, recreation and other multiple uses. Native grasses of Florida have not been thoroughly appreciated as a forage resource even though cattle have grazed here historically longer than any other place in North America. This has been largely due to a lack of knowledge concerning the individual grasses, their growth habits and seasonal preference by cattle. Florida has approximately 12 million acres of rangelands and grazeable woodlands that are being grazed by domestic livestock. The kind of grasses that are produced on these lands and the way they are used and managed in connection with tame pasture have an impact on the ranch economy. According to recent observations made in central Florida, approximately 90 percent of the rangeland in the area was producing less than half of its potential of annual forage due to mismanagement. Information contained in this publication is based on detailed field observations of individual grasses. Regularly scheduled observations were made on relict areas which have been undisturbed by grazing or fire for several years. The natural growth and development of the grasses were noted. Several ranchers whose range and grazable woodlands were well managed provided valuable information on use and production. Over a period of four years information was collected on the distribution, site adaptation, reaction to grazing ·and management of the individual species. Observations were made on approximately 150 ranches representing slightly less than a million acres. There are over 6,000 different grasses in the world but only a small number produce the major part of feed for man and animals. Approximately 332 native grasses occur in Florida, of which 50 to 75 often occur in one soil conservation district (SCD). Of these many grasses found within our small geographic area (e.g., the ranch, land management area or park) only a few are significant contributors of forages for livestock and food and cover for wildlife. A knowledge of these grasses also brings added pleasure and interest to everyone who is interested in the outdoors and especially to ranchers, Soil Conservation Service employees and other stewards and conservationists of our natural resources. A deeper appreciation develops with knowledge and understanding.

United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service

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