In this study, Mapfumo et al. measured soil response to three grazing intensities (light, moderate, and heavy) in pastures that were seeded with annual (Triticosecale, Triticosecale and Hordeum vulgare) or perennial (Bromus inermis, Bromus riparius) species. Grazing intensity or forage species did not affect carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Soil carbon and potassium concentrations, electrical conductivity and pH varied by forage species. All grazing treatments increased soil nitrogen content. Pastures that were heavily grazed had lower water holding capacity, pH and greater electrical conductivity than the other grazed pastures, most likely due to the increased fecal and urinary inputs in these pastures. After three years, forage species and grazing intensity both affected soil parameters, however, the changes were minimal and were probably not significant enough to affect plant growth in the studied pastures.
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.