Water infiltration and surface-soil structural properties as influenced by animal traffic in the Southern Piedmont USA

Abstract

Surface-soil structural condition in perennial pastures is expected to be modified by how forage is (a) harvested through haying or grazing and (b) stimulated through source of nutrients applied, as well as by compactive forces, e.g., grazing cattle or hay harvest machinery. Changes in surface-soil condition can affect hydrologic processes that have important implications for plant growth, greenhouse gas emissions and off-site water quality. We determined the effects of harvest management and nutrient source on the rate of ponded water infiltration and penetration resistance in a bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]/tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb. S.J. Darbyshire) pasture on a Typic Kanhapludult in Georgia. During a period when soil was wet (61% water-filled pore space), the rate of water infiltration was 2.8 ± 1.5 times greater when forage was left unharvested as when hayed or grazed (mean ± standard deviation among nine nutrient source × harvest management comparisons). During a subsequent period, when soil was dry (28% water-filled pore space), the rate of water infiltration followed the same treatment pattern, but was not statistically different among harvest-management practices (1.5 ± 0.4 times greater between unharvested and other systems). Penetration resistance of the surface at 10 cm depth followed the order: unharvested (62 J) < hayed (100 J) < low grazing pressure (119 J) < high grazing pressure (137 J). Water infiltration during the wet period was negatively related (P ⩽ 0.01) to soil-water content (r = − 0.57), penetration resistance at 0–10 cm depth (r = − 0.50) and bulk density at 3–6 cm depth (r = − 0.53), but was positively related to surface residue C (r = 0.47) and soil organic C concentration at 12–20 cm depth (r = 0.42). These results suggest that complex soil physical (i.e., aggregation, penetration resistance and infiltration) and biological (i.e., plant growth, surface residues and soil organic matter) interactions occur in pastures. We conclude that well-managed grazing systems with excellent ground cover should have adequate hydrologic condition to promote pasture productivity and limit environmental contamination from runoff. Further work is needed to understand the linkages between field- and watershed-scale hydrology in perennial pastures and their implications on water quality.

Soil physical and biological properties in an integrated crop-livestock system in the Brazilian Cerrado

“…This fact leads to a greater release of root exudates, which associated with the addition of residues (urine + feces) promotes a greater macropore distribution, as observed by Souza et al (2010a). These changes improve the soil structure, leading to greater infiltration, aeration, and water storage (Franzluebbers et al, 2011).…”

Comparing infiltration rates in soils managed with conventional and alternative farming methods: a meta-analysis

“…For example, Masri and Ryan 72 found infiltration rates increased when a diverse annual crop rotation included livestock as compared to when the systems included crops only. Franzluebbers et al 73 reported increased infiltration rates in pasture-based systems with versus without livestock, but only when a lower grazing intensity was utilized. It is also important to note that cropland grazing typically represents only one component of a diversified farming system that may have different outcomes when assessed on a larger scale.…”

Do Differences in Livestock Management Practices Influence Environmental Impacts?

“…While ultimately, soil type and water delivery rate are the overarching determinants of infiltration rate, livestock, and pasture management practices can alter this process (Laycock and Conrad, 1967;Savory and Butterworth, 1999;Franzluebbers et al, 2012). However, comparisons between the effects of livestock management practices on water infiltration and soil compaction (i.e., bulk density) are inconsistent.…”