In this study, Liebig et al. measured soil chemical properties and nitrous oxide emissions from a crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) pasture that had been grazed for 74 years and native pastures that had been moderately or heavily grazed for 90 years. The soil in the crested wheatgrass pasture had greater bulk density and particulate organic matter but lower soil mineral concentrations, cation exchange capacity, and pH than the native pastures. The crested wheatgrass pasture also produced more nitrous oxide emissions than the native pastures. The authors conclude that the differences in soil properties and gas emissions between the native pastures and the crested wheatgrass pasture were due to the annual addition of fertilizer in the crested wheatgrass pasture and they suggest that altering the application time or type of fertilizer may improve pasture soil conditions and reduce gas emissions from this soil.
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.