Choosing the right forage grass is one of the most important decisions in any livestock production system. Selecting the correct forage directly influences productivity, pasture longevity, animal performance and long-term system stability.

In Technical Note Nº 28, Don Germano summarizes — in simple language and with practical field experience — the five essential keys that every technician or producer should evaluate when arriving at a property to diagnose and define the ideal forage species.
These steps create a protocol that is quick, objective and extremely efficient, reducing mistakes and increasing accuracy in forage selection.

1. Evaluate soil drainage: the first and most important filter

The first observation must always be how water behaves in the soil.

Well-drained soils

Allow the use of a wide variety of tropical forage species.

Heavy, wet or waterlogged soils

Options become significantly more limited.
In these cases, humidicola grasses are practically the only tropical grasses capable of delivering consistent performance and long-term stability.

Why is this important?
Forage grasses only express their full potential when adapted to the soil’s moisture regime.

2. Analyze topography: flat or sloped?

The slope of the land changes the entire decision.

Sloped areas

Should prioritize decumbent grasses, which spread across the soil surface and reduce erosion.
Avoid tuft-forming grasses, which leave soil patches exposed.

Flat areas

Most tropical species perform well.

Don Germano’s reminder

Never use a single forage across the entire farm.
Diversifying paddocks reduces risks and improves the animals’ diet.

3. Consider which animals will graze the pasture

Each animal species grazes differently.

Cattle

Consume mainly the upper part of the plant.
→ Recommended: tall grasses with apical meristems positioned away from the ground.

Horses, sheep and goats

Graze very close to ground level.
→ Recommended: short, low-growing grasses that tolerate intense grazing pressure.

Choosing the correct species avoids premature degradation and ensures pasture longevity.

4. Observe the natural vegetation in the area

The environment speaks for itself.

Native plants present in the paddock and surrounding areas are excellent indicators of:

• Soil drainage

• Natural fertility

• Moisture level

• Soil type

Understanding these signs prevents mistakes and helps identify the species best adapted to local conditions.

5. Define the production system: intensive or extensive?

This is one of the most strategic decisions.

Extensive system

Requires rustic, resilient grasses, capable of sustaining productivity under low-input management.

Intensive system

Requires high-yielding grasses, more demanding but with excellent response when well managed.

Don Germano explains clearly:
Even though forage selection can be a complex topic, these five keys create a safe, practical and highly reliable path to choosing the ideal grass species for each situation.