Summary
This paper presents a mechanistic quantitative framework for modelling soil compaction induced by livestock grazing, using rheological principles applied to discretised field cells to simulate how random livestock movement translates into measurable changes in soil bulk density and porosity. The model addresses a significant gap in understanding the spatial and temporal extent of grazing-induced soil degradation in pastoral systems. The framework enables prediction of soil structure modifications and associated losses in ecosystem services from confined livestock production.
UK applicability
Given the presence of UK-based authors (Monaghan, Milne, Coleman, Cardenas, Whitmore) affiliated with research institutions, the model is likely parameterised or validated against UK pastoral soils and grazing conditions. The findings are directly applicable to UK grassland and dairy farming systems where livestock confinement and poaching are recognised soil health concerns.
Key measures
Soil bulk density, soil porosity, soil compaction extent and distribution, livestock movement patterns, rheological parameters (Bingham's law application)
Outcomes reported
The study developed and validated a mechanistic model predicting changes in soil bulk density and porosity resulting from livestock treading in confined grazing fields. The model quantifies spatial and temporal patterns of soil structural degradation across a discretised field.
Topic tags
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