Comparative Infiltration Rates and Sediment Production on Fertilized and Grazed Blue Grama Rangeland

Abstract

This study determined the impacts of fertilization and livestock grazing on infiltration rates and sediment production. Infiltration rates and sediment production varied across years, depending on precipitation conditions, but were not different between fertilized and unfertilized rangeland within a year. Livestock production and stocking rates were 2 times greater on fertilized than on nonfertilized rangeland. Soil bulk density was only greater on the fertilized areas than the control at the end of the grazing period in 1982. Microtopography or roughness was not different between treatments. Increases in plant production mitigated any impacts from increased livestock numbers in fertilized areas.