ATTRA

OCTOBER 24, 2023

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then your pasture likely has soil compaction. But what is soil compaction and what are all the ways it can affect grazing lands? What is soil compaction? Soil compaction occurs when the density of the soil increases because of external or internal factors.

Soil Compaction 104

Soil Compaction Pasture Livestock Water Rights 104

ATTRA

DECEMBER 12, 2023

By Justin Morris In an earlier blog , we discussed the causes of soil compaction, largely driven by overgrazing, which reduces rooting depth, root exudation, and soil aggregation. Now that we know the cause of soil compaction, how can we determine if soil compaction is present and the severity of it?

Soil Compaction 105

Soil Compaction Pasture Rural Development Livestock 105

ATTRA

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

By Justin Morris In an earlier blog , we discussed what compaction is and how it negatively affects plants, soils, livestock, and even economics. But how is that compaction formed in the first place and what can be done to prevent it? Roots are essential for healthy soil structure to be maintained. Coincidence?

Soil Compaction 103

Soil Compaction Livestock Forage Pasture 103

UnderstandingAg

APRIL 3, 2025

Cropland was seeded back to grass in 2014, and cattle were grazed during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons. Again, these results were achieved through managed grazing of cattle without the purchase and application of any fertilizer or pH amending products. They carefully selected cover crop species that were tolerant to high pH soils.

Acre 97

Acre Fertilizer Pasture Crop 97

Wisconsin Farmers Union

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

With bale grazing, bales are set in a grid pattern before winter, and cattle are given access to a few bales at a time. This minimizes the use of equipment during the winter months and distributes nutrients to improve forage production and soil health in subsequent years. A common concern with bale grazing is soil compaction.

Pasture 98

Pasture Forage Soil Compaction Farming 98

ATTRA

APRIL 2, 2024

Our pastures are devastated by livestock feeding areas, hooves, gate ruts, excessive rain, snow melt, and lack of vegetative cover during the non-growing season. We are too aware of the cost of pasture forage restoration, truck fenders, and loss of man hours, but there is also a cost to the health and welfare of our livestock.

Soil Compaction 98

Soil Compaction Pasture Forage Livestock 98

UnderstandingAg

JANUARY 11, 2025

A set-stock, season-long continuous grazing program will produce a very different soil, plant and livestock response than short-duration grazing events. Research in Missouri has demonstrated that cattle will have the highest dry matter intake during day one and two on a paddock system where animals are moved every 5-7 days.

Forage 64

Forage Pasture Acre Soil Compaction 64