Stocking Method, Animal Behavior, and Soil Nutrient Redistribution: How are They Linked?

Abstract

ABSTRACTChoice of stocking method may impact soil, plant, and animal responses. This 3‐yr study evaluated stocking method effects on animal behavior and soil nutrient concentration in ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) pastures. Stocking methods were continuous stocking and rotational stocking with 1‐, 3‐, 7‐, and 21‐d grazing periods and a 21‐d resting period. Responses were measured in three zones based on distance from shade and water (Zone 1, 0–8 m; Zone 2, 8–16 m; Zone 3, >16 m). Indices were calculated to weight number of dung and urine events and time spent by cattle in a zone by the proportion of the total pasture and paddock area represented by that zone. Indices were most uniform (∼1) across zones for rotational stocking with short grazing periods and generally increased linearly in Zones 1 and 2 with increasing grazing period. Except for N, soil nutrient concentration was not affected by stocking method. In zones closest to shade and water, soil nutrients accumulated for all methods in the surface 8 cm but not in the 8‐ to 23‐cm layer. Air temperature, wind speed, and temperature–humidity index explained 49% of the variation in time cattle spent under shade, confirming the importance of the environment in animal behavior. In warm environments, structural features of stocking method (e.g., the position of shade and water) have a greater effect on animal behavior and distribution in the landscape than do stocking density‐mediated effects on competition for forage.