Grazing effects on soil physical properties and the consequences for pastures: a review

Grazing animals exert pressure on the ground comparable to that of agricultural machinery. As a result, soil under pasture can be compacted. In grazing systems based on permanent pastures or rangelands, there is little opportunity to ameliorate poor soil physical conditions through tillage. Hence, it is important to understand the effects of grazing on soil physical properties and the consequent effects of these properties on pasture growth and composition. Most soils under grazed pasture, even those managed to minimise soil physical degradation, will be compacted to some extent. However, the magnitude of this compaction is usually small, and limited to the upper 50–150 mm of the soil. Compaction to greater depth, and other changes in soil physical properties, are more likely in recently tilled or wet soils. The response of pasture to the poorer soil conditions caused by grazing is difficult to determine, but it is likely to be small compared with the defoliation effects of grazing. Maintenance of a vigorous pasture should be a major aim of grazing management and would also achieve the secondary aim of maintaining acceptable soil physical conditions.

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Pengaruh Sifat Fisik Tanah terhadap Hama Simphylid Pada tanaman Nanas (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) di PT. Great Giant Pineapple Terbanggi Besar Lampung Tengah

Jurnal Penelitian Pertanian Terapan ◽

10.25181/jppt.v15i3.134 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Sandi Aji ◽

Afandi Afandi ◽

Lestari Wibowo ◽

K.E.S. Manik

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

High Hardness ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Soil Sampling ◽

Soil Science ◽

Ananas Comosus ◽

Survey Method ◽

Soil Pests ◽

Poor Soil ◽

Properties Of Soil

This research was conducted in the planting area of pineapple (Ananas comosus) PT. GGP Terbanggi Besar Central Lampung indicated attacked by pests simphylid in March 2014 until May 2014. Analysis of soil physical properties carried out in the Laboratory of Soil Science, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The method used in this study is a survey method. Soil sampling conducted at three locations indicated simphylid pests. Soil sampling done at some point and some depth. Results from this research that pest symphilid most numerous in one location with a number of acquisition 172 tail where the location of the physical properties of good land which the density value of the content is low, the total pore low, macropores and high hardness low ground , allowing sinphylid be able to live and thrive. While at the location of two and three with the condition density value of the content is high, the total pore high, macropores low, and violence high soil pests simphylid not so much discovered as simphylid can not multiply and survive on the physical condition of poor soil Keywords: Pineapple, Symphilid, and physical properties of soil

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Cropping system influences on soil physical properties in the Great Plains

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1079/raf2005122 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 15-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

J.L. Pikul ◽

R.C. Schwartz ◽

J.G. Benjamin ◽

R.L. Baumhardt ◽

S. Merrill

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Aggregate Size ◽

Cropping System ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Water Infiltration ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

System Effect ◽

Near Surface ◽

Infiltration Rates

AbstractAgricultural systems produce both detrimental and beneficial effects on soil quality (SQ). We compared soil physical properties of long-term conventional (CON) and alternative (ALT) cropping systems near Akron, Colorado (CO); Brookings, South Dakota (SD); Bushland, Texas (TX); Fargo, North Dakota (ND); Mandan (ND); Mead, Nebraska (NE); Sidney, Montana (MT); and Swift Current, Saskatchewan (SK), Canada. Objectives were to quantify the changes in soil physical attributes in cropping systems and assess the potential of individual soil attributes as sensitive indicators of change in SQ. Soil samples were collected three times per year from each treatment at each site for one rotation cycle (4 years at Brookings and Mead). Water infiltration rates were measured. Soil bulk density (BD) and gravimetric water were measured at 0–7.5, 7.5–15, and 15–30 cm depth increments and water-filled pore space ratio (WFPS) was calculated. At six locations, a rotary sieve was used to separate soil (top 5 cm) into six aggregate size groups and calculate mean weight diameter (MWD) of dry aggregates. Under the CON system at Brookings, dry aggregates (>19 mm) abraded into the smallest size class (<0.4 mm) on sieving. In contrast, the large aggregates from the ALT system abraded into size classes between 2 and 6 mm. Dry aggregate size distribution (DASD) shows promise as an indicator of SQ related to susceptibility of soil to wind erosion. Aggregates from CON were least stable in water. Soil C was greater under ALT than CON for both Brookings and Mead. At other locations, MWD of aggregates under continuous crop or no tillage (ALT systems) was greater than MWD under CON. There was no crop system effect on water infiltration rates for locations having the same tillage within cropping system. Tillage resulted in increased, decreased, or unchanged near-surface BD. Because there was significant temporal variation in water infiltration, MWD, and BD, conclusions based on a single point-in-time observation should be avoided. Elevated WFPS at Fargo, Brookings, and Mead may have resulted in anaerobic soil conditions during a portion of the year. Repeated measurements of WFPS or DASD revealed important temporal characteristics of SQ that could be used to judge soil condition as affected by management.

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Forest ecosystem responses to artificially induced soil compaction. I. Soil physical properties and tree diameter growth

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/x86-134 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 750-754 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

John R. Donnelly ◽

John B. Shane

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Surface Soil ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Infiltration Capacity ◽

Ecosystem Responses ◽

Resistance Surface ◽

Soil Penetration Resistance ◽

Induced Changes

Soil and vegetation responses to artificially imposed surface compaction and the effects of bark mulch on these responses were monitored for a 5-year period within a Quercusalba L. – Quercusvelutina Lam. – Quercusrubra L. forest growing on a loamy sand in northwestern Vermont. Compaction resulted in significant changes in vegetation and soil physical properties. Soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance, surface soil moisture, and soil temperature increased following compaction; infiltration capacity and the radial growth of Acerrubrum L. and Q. velutina decreased. Application of bark mulch prior to compaction tended to reduce compaction effects. Postcompaction additions of bark mulch did not result in noticeable amelioration of compaction-induced changes 2 years after application.

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Effect of Nano, Bio and Organic Fertilizers on Some Soil Physical Properties and Soybean Productivity in Saline Soil

Asian Soil Research Journal ◽

10.9734/asrj/2020/v4i330095 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 44-57

Author(s):

Kh. A. Shaban ◽

M. A. Esmaeil ◽

A. K. Abdel Fattah ◽

Kh. A. Faroh

Keyword(s):

Humic Acid ◽

Hydraulic Conductivity ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Saline Soil ◽

Field Capacity ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Organic Fertilizers ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Soil Conditions

A field experiment was carried out at Khaled Ibn El-waleed village, Sahl El-Hussinia, El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, during two summer seasons 2019 and 2020 to study the effect of NPK nanofertilizers, biofertilizers and humic acid combined with or without mineral fertilizers different at rates on some soil physical properties and soybean productivity and quality under saline soil conditions. The treatments consisted of: NPK-chitosan, NPK-Ca, humic acid, biofertilzer and control (mineral NPK only). In both seasons, the experiment was carried out in a split plot design with three replicates. The results indicated a significant increase in the soybean yield parameters as compared to control. There was also a significant increase in dry and water stable aggregates in all treatments as compared to control. The treatment NPK-Chitosan was the best in improving dry and stable aggregates. Also, hydraulic conductivity and total porosity values were significantly increased in all treatments due to increase in soil aggregation and porosity that led to increase in values of hydraulic conductivity. Values of bulk density were decreased, the lowest values of bulk density were found in NPK-chitosan treatment as a result of the high concentration of organic matter resulted from NPK-chitosan is much lighter in weight than the mineral fraction in soils. Accordingly, the increase in the organic fraction decreases the total weight and bulk density of the soil. Concerning soil moisture constants, all treatments significantly increased field capacity and available water compared to control. This increase was due to improvement of the soil aggregates and pores spaces which allowed the free movement of water within the soil thereby, increasing the moisture content at field capacity.

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Relationships between Root Traits and Soil Physical Properties after Field Traffic from the Perspective of Soil Compaction Mitigation

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10111697 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1697

Author(s):

Matthieu Forster ◽

Carolina Ugarte ◽

Mathieu Lamandé ◽

Michel-Pierre Faucon

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Root Length Density ◽

Root Traits ◽

Air Permeability ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Soil Reinforcement ◽

Soil Functions ◽

Crop Species

Compaction due to traffic is a major threat to soil functions and ecosystem services as it decreases both soil pore volume and continuity. The effects of roots on soil structure have previously been investigated as a solution to alleviate compaction. Roots have been identified as a major actor in soil reinforcement and aggregation through the enhancement of soil microbial activity. However, we still know little about the root’s potential to protect soil from compaction during traffic. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between root traits and soil physical properties directly after traffic. Twelve crop species with contrasting root traits were grown as monocultures and trafficked with a tractor pulling a trailer. Root traits, soil bulk density, water content and specific air permeability were measured after traffic. The results showed a positive correlation between the specific air permeability and root length density and a negative correlation was found between bulk density and the root carbon/nitrogen ratio. This study provides first insight into how root traits could help reduce the consequences of soil compaction on soil functions. Further studies are needed to identify the most efficient plant species for mitigation of soil compaction during traffic in the field.

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SOIL PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera L. ) ROOTS

CORD ◽

10.37833/cord.v16i01.337 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 16 (01) ◽

pp. 34

Author(s):

L P Vidhana Arachchi ◽

Yaspa P A J ◽

Mapa R B ◽

Somapala H.

Keyword(s):

Water Stress ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Cocos Nucifera ◽

Practical Importance ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Land Suitability ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Physical Constraints ◽

Cocos Nucifera L

The objective of the study was to (1) evaluate land suitability for coconut (cocos nucifera L.) production in relation to soil physical properties, (2) identify the soil physical constraints and (3) study their effect on the morphological adaptation of coconut roots. Soil physical properties were found to be significantly related to coconut yield (R2=81.37; p<0.01). Multiple regression with cluster analysis of soil physical properties vs coconut yield enabled classification of soil series into three major groups namely (a) highly (b) moderately and (c) less productive series. It was observed that the high soil compaction which limited the available water and aeration capacity of soils resulted in retardation of the activity of coconut roots. Water stress due to soil compaction was found to induce production of more inactive roots by suberization and dehydration processes. Scanning electron microscopic image showed that soil compaction and water stress, reduced the cell volume per unit area of the absorption zone and the number of pores in respiratory organs of coconut roots resulting in retardation of water and nutrient absorption, and air exchange processes. This in turn malfunctions of absorption cells and respiratory organs of roots resulted in retardation of growth of coconut seedlings. The practical importance of these findings in formulation of land suitability maps for coconuts is discussed.

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Compaction and Rutting During Harvesting Affect Better Drained Soils More Than Poorly Drained Soils on Wet Pine Flats

Southern Journal of Applied Forestry ◽

10.1093/sjaf/19.2.72 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 72-77 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

W. Michael Aust ◽

Mark D. Tippett ◽

James A. Burger ◽

William H. McKee

Keyword(s):

Hydraulic Conductivity ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Soil Compaction ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Site Conditions ◽

Reducing Conditions ◽

Water Tables ◽

Conductivity Water ◽

Poorly Drained Soils

Abstract Soil compaction and rutting (puddling) are visually distinct types of wet-site harvesting disturbances; however, the way in which they affect soil physical properties and hydrology is not well documented. Three compacted and three rutted sites were evaluated to determine the effects of the disturbances on soil physical and hydrologic properties. For each site, primary skid trails and nontrafficked areas were compared. Both compaction and rutting increased bulk density, and reduced macropore space and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Water tables and reducing conditions were closer to the soil surface within the primary skid trails. For the compacted and rutted skid trails, changes were greatest on sites that initially had better drainage and aeration. Compacted sites may prove easier to mitigate with site preparation than rutted sites due to the shallower nature of the disturbances and drier site conditions that will facilitate mechanical mitigation. Submitted to South. J. Appl. For. 18(2):72-77.

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Effects of the combined application of biomaterial amendments and polyacrylamide on soil water and maize growth under deficit irrigation

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.1139/cjss-2018-0091 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 99 (2) ◽

pp. 182-194

Author(s):

Yajin Hu ◽

Nini Guo ◽

Robert L. Hill ◽

Shufang Wu ◽

Qin’ge Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Soil Water ◽

Deficit Irrigation ◽

Irrigation Management ◽

Field Capacity ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Irrigation Level ◽

Maize Growth ◽

Irrigation Levels

Combined applications of mixed biomaterial amendments and polyacrylamide (MBAP) to maize in semiarid areas have the potential to improve soil physical properties such that improved crop performance may be obtained under deficient irrigation management. In this study, three MBAP applications were C0 (conventional N fertilization application) and C2 and C4 (MBAP applied at rates of 2 and 4 t ha−1, respectively); three irrigation levels were W3 (nearly full irrigation, 85%–100% of field capacity), W2 (light deficit irrigation, 65%–75% of field capacity), and W1 (medium deficit irrigation, 55%–65% of field capacity). Under the same irrigation level, the MBAP significantly decreased soil bulk densities and increased soil hydraulic conductivities and soil water contents. The effects of irrigation levels on soil bulk densities and soil saturated hydraulic conductivities were not significant. Consequently, MBAP improved soil conditions for maize growth and increased grain and biomass yields, especially at the two deficit irrigation levels. Compared with that of C0, grain yields for C2 and C4 were increased by 52.8% and 39.3% under W2, and by 23.5% and 13.7% under W1, respectively. The MBAP and irrigation had significant interaction effects on evapotranspiration during sowing to jointing and on plant heights at 32 d after sowing. The incorporation of MBAP (2 t ha−1) and chemical fertilizer (111.8 kg N ha−1) resulted in the greatest yields under light deficit irrigation and seemed the best approach to improve soil physical properties and sustain maize productivity using limited water resources in dryland regions.

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