Publication Date
1997
Description
A naturalized kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.) grassland was grazed by heifers (Bos taurus) for 2 years to determine the effects of two rotational stocking methods (short vs. long grazing periods) on soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S distribution in paddocks with natural shade. Additionally, kikuyugrass-greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum Urb.) paddocks were used to evaluate soil nutrient distribution in rotationally stocked paddocks (long grazing periods) without shade. In the study with shade, soil N, P, and K distribution did not differ between stocking methods. These nutrients accumulated within 15 m of shade, but did not accumulate significantly around waterers. In the study without shade, soil P, K, and Mg accumulated within 15 m of the waterer. It is suggested that the magnitude of excretal N, P, and K accumulation is greater around shade than waterers, and that in pastures without shade substantial amounts of P and K accumulate near the waterer.
Citation
Mathews, B W.; Tritschler, J P.; and Sollenberger, L E., "Rotational Stocking and Soil Nutrient Distribution on Hawaiian Grasslands" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 55.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session29/55
Included in
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Rotational Stocking and Soil Nutrient Distribution on Hawaiian Grasslands
A naturalized kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.) grassland was grazed by heifers (Bos taurus) for 2 years to determine the effects of two rotational stocking methods (short vs. long grazing periods) on soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S distribution in paddocks with natural shade. Additionally, kikuyugrass-greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum Urb.) paddocks were used to evaluate soil nutrient distribution in rotationally stocked paddocks (long grazing periods) without shade. In the study with shade, soil N, P, and K distribution did not differ between stocking methods. These nutrients accumulated within 15 m of shade, but did not accumulate significantly around waterers. In the study without shade, soil P, K, and Mg accumulated within 15 m of the waterer. It is suggested that the magnitude of excretal N, P, and K accumulation is greater around shade than waterers, and that in pastures without shade substantial amounts of P and K accumulate near the waterer.
