Soil bulk density and water infiltration as affected by grazing systems
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Authors: A. H. Abdel-Magid, G. E. Schuman, and R. H. Hart
Date: 1987
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 40
Number: 4
Pages: 307-309
Summary of Methods: Bulk density and water infiltration showed little change in a comparison of 3 grazing systems stocked at light, moderate and heavy levels in a study in Wyoming. While soil bulk density was greater in heavily grazed treatments after 2 years, water infiltration rates appeared unaffected. Since trends in water infiltration rate did not follow those of bulk density, it is indicated that soil bulk density may not be the main factor controlling water infiltration rate. Similarly, water infiltration did not vary consistently under the continuous, rotational and short-duration grazing systems tested. This study concluded that the short-duration rotation grazing system had no clear advantage for improving water infiltration by destruction of surface crusting. Long-term evaluation of the effects of grazing systems on soil physical characteristics may help to overcome seasonal, yearly, and inherent soil variability.
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: short-duration grazing, compaction, sandy loam soil, short grass rangelands
Annotation: Grazing intensities: light=5.25 ha/steer; moderate=3.0 ha/steer; heavy=2.25 ha/steer
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