Analysis of Key Soil Nutrients and Physical Properties on a Managed Grazing Operation in Junction City, WI.

Analysis of Key Soil Nutrients and Physical Properties on a Managed Grazing Operation in Junction City, WI Erik Halverson, Lindsey Lazkowski, Zachery Leitner, Derek Potratz, Robert Michitsch, Jacob Prater, Bryant Scharenbroch Rotational grazing is an agricultural practice which provides long-term ecological, environmental, and soil benefits. The goal of this project is to assess soil quality on a rotational grazing farm over time. This study is a long term-club research project through the UW - Stevens Point Soil and Water Conservation Society. The research crew analyzes the impact of rotational grazing on soil physical and chemical properties on a local managed grazing operation development. Soil Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Carbon, Organic Matter, pH, and Electrical Conductivity will be measured. Fields were broken up into five acre parcels and grid points were allotted to each parcel. A control field was sampled, which is not rotationally grazed, as well as a newly converted conventionally farmed field. Soil samples (6”) were collected within a ten-meter radius around each point in fall 2015. Fields will be sampled four years from now in fall of 2019 and tested for the same soil properties as listed above. Samples are currently undergoing testing and will conclude in spring of 2019.