Soil compacting impacts of grazing in mixed prairie and fescue grassland ecosystems of Alberta
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Authors: M. A. Naeth, D. J. Pluth, D. S. Chanasyk, A. W. Bailey, and A. W. Fedkenheuer
Date: 1990
Journal: Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Volume: 70
Number:
Pages: 157-167
Summary of Methods: Naeth et al. measured soil bulk density, moisture and penetration resistance in three Alberta plant communities, grazed at different intensities and times of the year. The impacts of grazing on soils varied by plant community, however in general, heavy or severe grazing and early season grazing were the most detrimental to soils. The combination of trampling and defoliation increased soil bulk density and penetration resistance, whereas defoliation alone did not affect soil characteristics. Based on these results the authors concluded that light to moderate grazing intensities under season long or late season grazing will maintain soil properties and plant growth in most Alberta 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: compaction, rangelands, penetration resistance, bulk density, grazing intensity, grazing season
Annotation: At Brooks site, the 3 grazing treatments were: 1) early season grazing from May-July; 2) late season grazing from August-October; and 3) a control ungrazed since the 1930s. The stocking rate was heavy at 0.9 AUM/ha. At Kinsella, 5 grazing treatments were: 1) light June grazing from 1 to 30 June at 1.5 AUM/ha; 2) heavy June grazing from 1 to 30 June at 4.4 AUM/ha; 3) heavy autumn grazing from 15 September to 15 October at 1.5 AUM/ha; 4) light autumn grazing from 15 September to 15 October at 1.5 AUM/ha; 5) ungrazed control. At Stavely, 5 grazing treatments grazed from May through September: 1) very heavy grazing at 4.8 AUM/ha; 2) heavy grazing at 2.4 AUM/ha; 3) moderate grazing at 1.6 AUM/ha; and 5) an ungrazed control.
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