Impact of 22-Year Rotational Grazing on the Soil Cover of a Grassland in Northern-Central Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the impact of 22-year rotational grazing on the soil cover change of a grassland in the northern-central region of Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In 2000, two transects were established in a grassland to measure soil and vegetation properties. The transects were established at the same time than the rotational grazing. Subsequently, additional information corresponding to 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2022 was registered. Each variable was subjected to an analysis of variance to identify the effect of rotational grazing.

Results: Rotational grazing increased the plant base, leaf litter cover, and soil cover, while it reduced bare soil and mature crust.

Study Limitations/Implications: Only few ranchers use rotational grazing in this region; consequently, no more ranches were included in this study.

Findings/Conclusions: Rotational grazing was fundamental to improve soil cover in the grassland. The increase of the plant base of perennial plants was associated with a precipitation increase.