Impacts of grazing systems on soil compaction and pasture production in Alberta
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Authors: N. T. Donkor, J. V. Gedir, R. J. Hudson, E. W. Bork, D. S. Chanasyk, and M. A. Naeth
Date: 2002
Journal: Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Volume: 82
Number: 1-8
Summary of Methods: Donkor et al. investigate the effects of wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) grazing on soil physical properties and Bromus-Poa pasture production in an Aspen Boreal forest ecosystem. The bulk density at field moist condition and penetration resistance of the top 10-cm of the soil were significantly greater by 15 and 7% under short-duration grazing (SDG) than continuous grazing (CG), respectively, by wapiti. Generally , bulk density at field moist condition in both grazing treatments decreased over winter at the 0-7.5 cm and 12.5-15 cm depths, suggesting that freeze-thaw cycles over the winter alleviated compaction. Soil water content under SDG was significantly lower than CG. Total standing crop and fallen litter were significantly greater in CG treatment than the SDG. The SDG treatment had less pasture herbage than CG areas in the spring (16%) and fall (26%) of 1997, and in the spring (22%) and fall (24%) of 1998, respectively. The SDG did not show any advantage over CG in improving soil physical characteristics and herbage production.
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: bulk density, wapiti, cervus elaphus canadensis, moisture content, penetration resistance, pasture production
Annotation: This study compared the effects of high intensity (4.16 AUM/ha) short-duration grazing versus moderate intensity (2.08 AUM/ha) continuous grazing by wapiti. There was also an ungrazed control.
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