Including native warm-season grasses in pasture systems makes good ecological sense, and this publication explores the benefits and challenges associated with their use. The uneven seasonal distribution of forage production from introduced cool-season species is a primary factor complicating pasture management, while native plant communities are more efficient at capturing solar radiation.

Identifies the 15 most common annual & perennial grasses in Midwestern pastures: the predominant seeded Midwestern grasses, the most common native pasture grasses, & a few annual weedy grasses. Helps you identify grasses the first year, when you need to know whether a seeding was successful. Helps you identify grasses in established pastures so you can make informed decisions about pasture mgmt., fencing, & renovation. Chapters: seed & seedling identification for new plantings; vegetative identification for established plants; & info. on growth habit & mgmt. for each of the seeded grasses. Color photos.