When do pasture grasses have the highest irrigation needs?

Pasture grasses have the highest irrigation needs when they are growing at the highest rate. This growth phase typically occurs during the active growing season when factors such as temperature, sunlight, and moisture promote rapid development. During this time, grasses are photosynthetically active, leading to an increased demand for water to support cellular processes and overall plant health.

Effective irrigation during this critical growth period ensures that the grasses receive sufficient moisture to maximize their growth potential, which is essential for livestock forage and maintaining pasture quality. Adequate water supports root development and leaf expansion, which are crucial for optimizing nutrient uptake and overall plant vigor.

Other periods, such as dormant phases, after harvesting, or during the winter months, do not present the same level of irrigation demands since pasture grasses are either not actively growing or require significantly less water due to lower metabolic rates and reduced growth activity.