Effect of Vegetation Management on Soil Nutrients and Nutrient Content of Herbaceous Vegetation

Abstract

Abstract Seven vegetation management programs ranging from 100% cover of grass-dominated vegetation to bare soil were created on opposing north and south aspects. Nutrient contents of the herbaceous vegetation and soil were effected significantly by management programs, location in the plot (row and interrow), and time. The presence or absence of vegetation influenced vegetative uptake and leaching losses, resulting in differences among the vegetation management programs. In general, the upper soil (0- to 15-cm depth) with 100% vegetative cover contained more exchangeable Mg and less NO3 and available P than under bare soil. Exchangeable Ca was not affected by the management programs. Differences in growth form (grass or forb), perennial or annual vegetation, and percent bare soil accounted for the majority of differences in the nutrient content of the noncrop vegetation. Aspect did not affect any of the plant and soil parameters measured.