The effects of two stocking rates on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties were measured under continuous and rotational grazing systems for three years. There was high variation in soil properties prior to the study that made it difficult to determine differences, however the collected data suggested that season, and the accompanying changes in soil moisture, had greater affects on soil properties than the stocking rate or grazing system, although these factors did affect some soil properties. High stocking rates tended to increase bulk density over time and decrease microbial biomass C content and acid phosphatase activity (measures of the microbial population and their activity; respectively). Continuously grazed pastures had higher mineral N production (a measure of the activity of the soil microbial population) than rotational pastures. The authors concluded that continuous grazing, with light stocking rates, may be the best option to maintain soil properties.
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