The Grass Doctor

Is Kentucky 31 Fescue safe to use in my horse pasture in heavy use muddy areas?I Also how do I fertilize?

I've read that Kentucky 31 is very tough and easy growing ;making it ideal for heavy use mucky areas (near water trough/gate/barn entrance).The rest of my 2-3 acre pasture I want to over seed/interseed with a timothy /orchard grass/ blue grass "horse mix".However, I keep reading conflicting reports about Kentucky 31's use with horses. I have a 2y/o filly and 10 yr old mare-not going to be bred. I'm confused because some sources say its OK for non-preg horses,others say it isn't good(stunts growth,causes sensitivities)-does anyone have it in their pasture?Is it good for those mucky areas? Also,I'm new at composting my horse manure( use pine pellet bedding). I want to use it to fertilize my pastures, as the grass is sparse and pastures (2 acre each) are on small side.Is using the compost a good way to improve grass growth and strength? How long does the compost need to age?Will the pine deplete nitrogen in the soil if I don't age it long enough? What about lime or bone meal to help "cure" it? Sorry for so many questions,but I'm used to big pastures with low maintenance-I want to max out what little space I have....

Public Comments

1. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue has toxins produced by Endophyte fungus that can affect seriously the health of animals that graze on this grass. Especially horses, but also other farm animals. It is great for lawns. You can get an endophyte free variety of grass seed. http://www.fescue.com/pasture/index.html