Influence of pasture management on soil biological quality
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Authors: M. R. Banerjee, D. L. Burton, W. P. McCaughey, and C. A. Grant
Date: 2000
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 53
Number: 1
Pages: 127-133
Summary of Methods: The effects of two stocking rates on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties were measured under continuous and rotational grazing systems for three years. There was high variation in soil properties prior to the study that made it difficult to determine differences, however the collected data suggested that season, and the accompanying changes in soil moisture, had greater affects on soil properties than the stocking rate or grazing system, although these factors did affect some soil properties. High stocking rates tended to increase bulk density over time and decrease microbial biomass C content and acid phosphatase activity (measures of the microbial population and their activity; respectively). Continuously grazed pastures had higher mineral N production (a measure of the activity of the soil microbial population) than rotational pastures. The authors concluded that continuous grazing, with light stocking rates, may be the best option to maintain soil properties.
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: microbial biomass carbon, soil enzyme activity, grazing system, stocking rate, rotational grazing, soil nutrients
Annotation: Two stocking rates were used in continuous and rotational (10 paddock) grazing systems: Heavy - 2.2 steers / ha and Light - 1.1 steers / ha. Season of use varied by year during the three year study. Cattle were put on pastures when vegetation reached 15 -20 cm in the spring (mid-May to mid-June) and time spent in rotation paddocks was based on the time period required for forage regrowth.,Soil samples were collected October 24, 1994, May 24, 1995, and July 31, 1995.
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