Rangeland Ecology & Management

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The influence of livestock trampling under intensive rotation grazing on soil hydrologic characteristics
Author
Warren, S. D., T. L. Thurow, W. H. Blackburn, N. E. Garza
Publication Year
1969
Body

To determine the effects of trampling in intensive rotational grazing systems, Warren et al. measured soil properties after cattle trampled a dry and moist pasture, devoid of vegetation. Applied trampling rates mimicked different stocking rates (1x, 2x, and 3x) that may be used with this grazing system. In all trampled pastures, soil infiltration was lower and sediment production was higher than untrampled pastures, and the effects of trampling tended to increase as soil moisture and stocking rates increased. This study concludes that using a high-intensity rotational grazing system will negatively impact soil properties, such as infiltration rate and sediment production.

Language
en
Keywords
trampling
grazing systems
soil compaction
Infiltration Rate
intensive rotational grazing
sediment production
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