Kansas Study Finds Grazing Cover Crops Can Improve Soil Health

Study results published by Kansas State University showed that grazing cover crops with beef cattle had no negative effects on soil’s physical or chemical properties and, in fact, increased the soil’s organic carbon stocks and potassium concentrations compared to areas with ungrazed cover crops. The outcome of this three-year study helps ease concerns about grazing causing soil compaction. Researchers found that the increased organic soil carbon led to better soil structure in grazed areas. Also, researchers noted that cover crop biomass left as residue after grazing was similar to pre-grazing levels, due to regrowth stimulated by grazing. They caution, however, that results could vary depending on animal stocking rate, grazing duration, and the cover crop’s biomass.
Related ATTRA Publication: ATTRA Grazing Planning Manual and Workbook