Impacts of management-intensive grazing on soil health

These resources detail the process and findings from an applied research project studying management-intensive grazing in BC’s Central Interior.

The four-year study:

  • Tested whether there were differences in soil carbon between intensively grazed and extensively grazed pastures
  • Explored the potential for management intensive grazing to support adaptation (e.g. soil moisture retention, erosion control, biodiversity)

The project data supported intensive management as an improved adaptive management practice to increase carbon levels found in the soil and decrease soil compaction in the 0-10 centimetre range.

The project also found that total carbon was 28% greater under intensive management and organic carbon was 13% greater when compared with extensive grazing.

The report includes recommendations for further research.

Downloads

Project Report - Using Management-Intensive Grazing for Adapting to and Mitigating Climate Change - 2017

9 MB, pdf

Research Summary - Using Management-Intensive Grazing for Adapting to and Mitigating Climate Change - 2018

4 MB, pdf