Technological approach to evaluate the livestock trampling effect on soil compaction

Abstract

The economic and environmental sustainability of extensive livestock production systems requires the optimization of soil management, pasture production and animal grazing. All these aspects are interdependent and linked to soil compaction. This study aims: (i) to assess the spatial variation of the compaction profile; (ii) to evaluate the effect of animal trampling on soil compaction; and (iii) to demonstrate the utility of various technological tools in monitoring indicators of soil characteristics (Cone Index, CI), of pasture vegetative vigor (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) and of cows’ grazing zones (Global Positioning Systems, GPS collars). The compaction resulting from animal trampling was significant outside tree canopy (OTC) in the four evaluated dates and in the three soil layers considered (0-0.10 m; 0.10-0.20 m; 0.20- 0.30 m). These results suggest that this could be a dynamic process, with recovery cycles in the face of grazing management, seasonal fluctuations in soil moisture or spatial variation of specific soil characteristics. The NDVI showed potential for monitoring the effect of livestock trampling during the peak spring production phase, with greater vigor in areas with less animal trampling. These results open good perspectives to support the decision making processes and respond to the challenge of a holistic and sustainable management of the Montado Mediterranean ecosystem.