Publication Date
1997
Description
A three-year study was conducted to quantify the effects of travel distance to water on pasture utilization rate and soil nutrient gradients. A 64 ha unit was divided into 16 4 ha pastures having maximum travel distances ranging from 250 to 450 m. Temporal utilization rate (UR) and soil nutrient levels were determined at 30 m intervals beginning at the water source. Temporal UR significantly declined beyond 250 m in all pastures having travel distances exceeding 250 m while pastures with less than 250 m travel distance were uniformly grazed. Increased nutrient level gradients beginning within 60 m of water existed in pastures with greater than 250 m travel distance while pastures with less than 250 m travel distance showed no significant gradients towards water. We conclude that locating water within 250 m of all parts of the pasture will result in increased efficiency of land use and nutrient cycling.
Citation
Gerrish, J R.; Peterson, P R.; and Martz, F A., "Proximity of Water Affects Grazing Distribution and Soil Nutrient Cycling" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 16.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session20/16
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Proximity of Water Affects Grazing Distribution and Soil Nutrient Cycling
A three-year study was conducted to quantify the effects of travel distance to water on pasture utilization rate and soil nutrient gradients. A 64 ha unit was divided into 16 4 ha pastures having maximum travel distances ranging from 250 to 450 m. Temporal utilization rate (UR) and soil nutrient levels were determined at 30 m intervals beginning at the water source. Temporal UR significantly declined beyond 250 m in all pastures having travel distances exceeding 250 m while pastures with less than 250 m travel distance were uniformly grazed. Increased nutrient level gradients beginning within 60 m of water existed in pastures with greater than 250 m travel distance while pastures with less than 250 m travel distance showed no significant gradients towards water. We conclude that locating water within 250 m of all parts of the pasture will result in increased efficiency of land use and nutrient cycling.
