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

Fortunately, knowing how compaction forms and how extensive it is, are the keys to knowing how to eliminate it forever. Causes of Compaction There are generally two major causes of soil compaction on pastures: hoof impact and overgrazing.

Soil Compaction 103

Soil Compaction Livestock Forage Pasture 103

ATTRA

APRIL 2, 2024

The challenges associated with mud on livestock farms, particularly cattle and horse farms, need to be addressed because their health affects production goals. Let’s examine how mud affects cattle and horses, as they often create muddy conditions. Mud in the winter will result in soil compaction later.

Soil Compaction 98

Soil Compaction Pasture Forage Livestock 98

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 59

Acre Fertilizer Pasture Crop 59

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

JULY 12, 2024

Study results published by Kansas State University showed that grazing cover crops with beef cattle had no negative effects on soil’s physical or chemical properties and, in fact, increased the soil’s organic carbon stocks and potassium concentrations compared to areas with ungrazed cover crops.

Soil Compaction 40

Soil Compaction Crop Cattle 40