In this study, soil bulk density was compared among winter feeding pastures that were not used by cattle and those that were grazed and trampled by cattle at normal and very heavy stocking rates. Unused pastures had the lowest soil bulk density, which remained consistent throughout the study and recovery period. On used pastures, as stocking rate increased, soil bulk density increased and recovery was more gradual. Although rate of recovery was dependent on stocking rate, soil bulk density was 92% recovered in both pastures after 16 months of rest.
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