Pasture management is all about timing, technique, and the right tools. For ranchers looking to improve soil health, optimize fertilizer application, and make the most of available moisture, aeration is a game-changer. One RanchWorx® customer, Mr. Roady, shared his experience using our aerator in the fall and throughout the growing season to get the best results from his land.
A Year-Round Aeration Strategy
When he first purchased his RanchWorx® pasture aerator, he put it straight to work in the fall. After his first cut the following year, he pulled it again to help break up compacted soil and improve water infiltration. As fall approached once more, he was gearing up to aerate again—this time with a strategic plan to integrate weed control, fertilization, and moisture retention.
Improving Fertilizer Efficiency with Aeration
One of the key benefits he noticed was how aeration helped make fertilizers, including both nitrogen and litter, more effectively. After spraying his fields with Pastora herbicide to control unwanted ryegrass, he planned to aerate right before applying nitrogen, ensuring the fertilizer penetrated deep into the soil. This method helps hold moisture, reduces runoff, and makes nutrients more accessible to plant roots.
In his words: “If you get a really hard rain—three, four, or five inches in a short time—you risk losing nitrogen to runoff. But when you aerate first, it opens up the soil, allowing nutrients to soak in rather than washing away.”
The Added Benefits of Organic Matter
Beyond improving nitrogen uptake, aeration also enhances the effectiveness of spreading litter. Instead of sitting on the surface, litter falls into the aeration openings, where it can break down and contribute valuable organic matter to the soil. This process improves soil structure, boosts microbial activity, and enhances moisture retention—key factors for long-term pasture health.
“That litter gets down into the soil openings—it’s got to be a lot better. You get more organic matter, it reaches the root zone, and it helps with moisture retention. It just works.”
Why Aeration is a Must for Pasture Management
This first-hand account highlights why so many ranchers trust RanchWorx® aerators. By aerating before fertilizer and litter applications, you can:
Reduce nutrient loss from runoff Improve fertilizer efficiency Enhance soil organic matter Increase moisture retention Boost overall pasture productivity
For ranchers dealing with unpredictable rain and hard-packed soil, aeration isn’t just an extra step—it’s a necessity. Ready to see the difference a RanchWorx® aerator can make on your operation? Contact us today and put your pastures on the path to better growth.
View the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5dyaIUkchB0
