Does Cattle Grazing of Cover Crops Compact Soil? an Analysis of Existing Literature and Short-Term Data.

Cover crops (CCs) in annual cropping systems could provide a myriad of production and environmental benefits. One such production benefit is the potential for crop-livestock integration through the grazing of CCs. However, little research has been conducted on how the grazing of CCs impacts soil properties and processes. We will investigate how grazing and harvesting CC impacts soil properties on four farmers’ fields and two research plots in different geographies of Nebraska. The three treatments at each location are 1) non-grazed/non-harvested CC, 2) grazed/harvested CC and 3) no CC under continuous corn, corn-soybean and corn-soybean-wheat rotations. Included in our assessment will be penetration resistance (compaction parameter), water infiltration, dry soil aggregate stability as indicator of wind erosion potential, wet soil aggregate stability as indicator of water erosion potential, soil fertility, and particulate organic matter—all of which impact agricultural production and the surrounding environment. Field and laboratory measurements are being conducted.  The results of the project will guide farmers in decision-making in the management of CCs and livestock systems.