Soil Bulk Density and Water Infiltration as Affected by Grazing Systems

Abstract

The influences of continuous, rotationally deferred, and short-duration rotation grazing systems on soil compaction and water infiltration were assessed. Bulk density and water infiltration were measured to evaluate the effects of the 3 grazing systems at moderate and heavy stocking rates. Measurements were made in the spring before grazing and at the end of the grazing season in 1983 and 1984. Bulk density was not affected by grazing systems or stocking rate; bulk density was greater in the fall than in spring of 1984, but not in 1983. Infiltration was significantly lower under the heavy stocking rate than under the moderate stocking rate at the end of the grazing season. The average water infiltration was significantly less in the fall than in the spring for the heavy stocking rate but showed no seasonal effect for the moderate stocking rate. Infiltration was significantly greater under continuous grazing than under rotational deferment but no different from that under short-duration grazing in 1983. However, in 1984 the relationship was reversed. The grazing systems evaluated did not affect soil bulk density and water infiltration in a consistent manner; however, the stocking rate resulted in reduced infiltration during the grazing season.