During 1990 and 1991, 'Callie' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. aridus) pastures grazed by cattle were used to determine the effects of two rotational stocking methods and continuous stocking on lateral and vertical distribution of extractable N, P, K, and S. Nutrient distribution and concentration in the Ap1 horizon did not differ among grazing methods, but N, P, and K accumulated in the third of the pastures closest to shade, water sources, and supplement feeders. Nutrient concentrations were lower or tended to be lower in the Ap1 horizon of the hay management than in grazed pastures because of nutrient removal in harvested herbage. Further, total phosphorous in surface water exceeded target concentrations for flatwood soils by 2 to 7 times, partly in response to supplemental feeding. This study suggests that grazing method of well-managed pastures may have little effect on short-term soil nutrient distribution, especially when grazing occurs during months when temperatures are high.
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.