Forest to Pasture: Comparing Two Post-Harvest Restoration Paths

We are documenting two approaches to converting harvested pine timberland into productive pasture: retaining stumps and more harvest residue versus removing debris, smoothing the ground, and creating a more conventional seedbed. We are comparing cost, speed, forage establishment, soil condition, erosion, equipment access, and long-term usability. THIS experiment will be a top level experiment that will include many smaller experiments. This experiment is where we will ultimately track the results of the primary goal of converting forest land to pasture land.

Field Notes

July 1, 2025

Before the First Tree Fell

The experiment began as established pine timberland. The starting photographs document the forest canopy, pine-needle-covered ground, understory vegetation, and the conditions that existed before timber harvest or pasture construction.

August 4, 2025

The Timber Harvest Moved us Farther Away from Useful Pastures

Timber harvesting opened the land but did not create pasture. The work left stumps, roots, logging debris, slash, uneven ground, and disturbed access areas that required additional decisions.

November 1, 2025

Building Two Different Pastures

Our goal as an innovation farm is to do things in a way that allow us to learn as much as possible from the event. A dual pasture process was determined to be a worthwhile investment to create a valuable learning opportunity.

February 11, 2026

First Drone Seeding Across Both Pasture Types

South Alabama Drone Services completed the first common seeding application across the smooth and stump-retained pasture areas.

March 8, 2026

Testing a Converted Blower in the Stump-Retained Pasture

One of our experiments was to create a seed spreader from a leaf blower and funnel. We decided to test it in spreading seed in select areas.

March 9, 2026

Applying Phosphorus Across the Developing Pastures

May 22, 2026

Adding Cowpeas to the Smooth Pasture

We used our drone service partner to spread the cowpeas on the smooth pastures. We did not have time to spread ourselves in time to beat the rain event forecasted.

June 22, 2026

Testing Pensacola Bahia on Part of the Smooth Pasture

With some concern about soil health we decided to do a test of about 6 acres

July 25, 2026

East Pasture Follow-Up after 8 weeks.

8 Weeks after planting the Cowpeas and 6 weeks after Bahia, checking in to see how we are progressing.