Summary
This paper presents a systematic modelling framework for quantifying soil compaction caused by livestock treading in grazed fields. The model integrates rheology-based compaction mechanics with empirical recovery dynamics driven by biological activity (earthworms and roots), and couples these with dual-porosity permeability predictions. Validated against New Zealand field data, the framework provides a tool for predicting how grazing management, soil texture, and environmental conditions influence compaction trajectories and recovery, enabling assessment of downstream environmental impacts such as runoff and greenhouse gas emissions.
UK applicability
The framework is directly applicable to UK grazing systems, particularly in assessing soil structural impacts of intensive pastoral management on varied UK soil types. Model calibration would be required using UK-specific field data, particularly for grassland soils under different rainfall and temperature regimes typical of British conditions.
Key measures
Bulk density, macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil structure recovery rates
Outcomes reported
The study developed and validated a quantitative modelling framework that predicts spatial and temporal changes in soil bulk density, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity resulting from grazing livestock movement. Model predictions were tested against field data from a grazing study in New Zealand and successfully reproduced observed compaction and recovery trends.
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