Grazing impacts on selected soil parameters under short-term forage sequences
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Authors: E. Mapfumo, D. S. Chanasyk, V. S. Baron, and M. A. Naeth
Date: 2000
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 53
Number: 5
Pages: 466-470
Summary of Methods: In this study, Mapfumo et al. measured soil response to three grazing intensities (light, moderate, and heavy) in pastures that were seeded with annual (Triticosecale, Triticosecale and Hordeum vulgare) or perennial (Bromus inermis, Bromus riparius) species. Grazing intensity or forage species did not affect carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Soil carbon and potassium concentrations, electrical conductivity and pH varied by forage species. All grazing treatments increased soil nitrogen content. Pastures that were heavily grazed had lower water holding capacity, pH and greater electrical conductivity than the other grazed pastures, most likely due to the increased fecal and urinary inputs in these pastures. After three years, forage species and grazing intensity both affected soil parameters, however, the changes were minimal and were probably not significant enough to affect plant growth in the studied pastures.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: carbon, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, potassium, soil ph
Annotation: None
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