Owens et al. measured concentrations and transport of nutrients from a 38-ha, unimproved grassed watershed in east-central Ohio, for 2 years without the presence of livestock, for 3 years with a 17-cow beef herd grazing during the summer months only, and for an additional 6 year period with all-year grazing with hay being brought in for winter. As grazing pressure increased, runoff from pastures contained greater potassium, total organic C and organic N, and lower calcium, magnesium, and sodium concentrations. Sediment concentrations and transport were also greater as grazing use increased, and management may be required in the future to reduce these levels, if year-round grazing is to continue in this area. However, the results of the study suggest that managing this pasture for year-round grazing would not impact stream water quality as most variables remained well below acceptable pollution limits with this management practice.
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