In this study, authors mapped soil depth, using the electromagnetic induction technique, on pastures managed for spring and fall grazing since 1924. Previous studies related the different vegetation composition of these pastures to differences in grazing seasons. However, soil depth, which can also affect vegetation composition, was never measured, and may be a confounding factor that could modify the results of the previous studies. The measured soil depths were not different between the spring and fall grazed pastures in the vertical or horizontal direction. Therefore, soil depth was not affecting vegetation composition and the results of previous studies were correct. Vegetational differences between the treatments have probably resulted from differences in the seasonality of grazing, rather than ecological site characteristics as reflected in soil depth. This study also demonstrated the ability of the electromagnetic induction technique to accurately measure soil depth in rangeland pastures and suggests that the use of this technique could be valuable in some research.
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.