The effects of cattle grazing on soil moisture were determined during this two year study conducted on five sites: three sites under forage (one on reclaimed mine lands), and two sites under pasture near Keephills, Alberta (53˚ 30’ N; 114˚ 27’ W). Three management treatments (hayed, mowed, and fallow) were applied to the hayfield plots and two treatments (grazed and fallow) were applied to the pasture plots. The 2 grazed treatment sites (Sites 4 and 5) had different stocking rates: Site 4: 45 yearling heifers / 8 ha (heavily grazed); Site 5: 120 cow/calf pairs / 64 ha (moderate-heavily grazed). Soil water measurements were taken every two week over the two year study. Surface bulk density was measured in the spring and fall of 1996. Available water holding capacity of the soil was also calculated.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.