Changes in soil C, N, and P with long‐term (58 years) cattle grazing on rough fescue grassland

Abstract

Abstract We investigated soil response to long‐term cattle grazing at stocking rates 0 (CK), 2.4 (MG), and 4.8 (HG) animal unit months ha –1 on a Rough Fescue ( Festuca campestris Rydb.) grassland. Soil organic C and N stocks and available nutrients were not affected by grazing while soil bulk densities (0–30 cm) were higher and P stocks (15–30 cm) were lower under grazing than CK. The slow rate change of soil C and N suggest the rich black grassland soils appear to tolerate intensive grazing.