What affects the nutrient content of a pasture?

Soil quality

Soil type

Moisture

Grazing activities

Time of year

Type of fertilization

Type of livestock grazed

Often the plants that are in the pasture are the indicators of soil quality. Presence of certain weeds mean that the soil is deficient in some mineral, for instance. The nutrient quality of pasture is dependent on the quality of the soil. That's where the plants grow, and what the plants NEED to grow. Type of plants, types of animals used, grazing management comes after, but all are integrated to pasture health. Soil and grazing management are the two most important things that dictate what quality pastures you have, as well as the flexibility to improve your pastures.