Effects of sheep treading on measured pasture yield and physical condition of four soils

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Effects of treading by sheep at 49.4 equivalents/ha on Manawa ryegrass (Experiment 1) and Manawa — Huia white clover pastures (Experiment 2) growing on four different soils transported to a common site were assessed. In both experiments treading resulted in a significant reduction in pasture production on all four soils. There was a marginal increase in herbage nitrogen in trodden plots, but no difference in potassium, phosphorus, or magnesium in Experiment 2. Average height of the growing points of tillers in Manawa ryegrass was reduced by treading. Soil bulk densities were higher in the 0–2.5 cm layer on trodden plots on all soils in both experiments. Resistance to penetration of a steel probe was also greater at 2.5 em after Experiment 2.