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How Does Soil Compaction Impact Grazing Lands?

ATTRA

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.

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Diagnosing Soil Compaction on Grazing Lands

ATTRA

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?

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The Causes of Soil Compaction on Grazing Lands

ATTRA

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. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

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The Season of Mud

ATTRA

A heavy-use area or sacrificial pen with good drainage can be used to feed and water animals when the weather is wet and when pastures are susceptible to foot divots or pugs, and soil is very wet. Mud in the winter will result in soil compaction later. Do not feed hay near creeks or downhill from a slope. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.