How Native Grasslands Grow Without Fertilizer

Can a grassland stay productive without fertilizer? Most people assume healthy plants require constant fertilizer applications. But native grasslands have been naturally building their own fertility for thousands of years. In this video, Elizabeth explains the natural processes that allow diverse native grasslands to produce forage while greatly reducing fertilizer needs.

You’ll learn how:

• Deep-rooted native plants mine nutrients from deep in the soil.

• Native legumes naturally add nitrogen.

• Other native plants, such as Eastern Gamagrass and Switchgrass, also contribute nitrogen.

• Soil microbes recycle nutrients throughout the year.

• Warm-season and cool-season plants work together to keep nutrients cycling.

• Plant diversity creates a resilient, self-sustaining forage system.

This pasture hasn’t been fertilized for years, yet it continues producing abundant forage through the power of healthy soils and diverse plant communities.

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