Sustainable livestock production in sub-arctic Alaska: Plant and soil responses to simulated intensively managed grazing

摘要

Managing a robust pasture ecosystem and optimizing available forage under sub-arctic conditions in interior Alaska is a challenge. The region is characterized by a short growing season, slow residue decomposition rates and undeveloped soils that are vulnerable to compaction and erosion. The goal of this research was to examine the relative and combined role of grazing mechanisms; herbivory, trampling, and manure/urine deposition on forage yield and soil health in sub-arctic pastures within a simulated intensively managed rotational grazing (IMRG) framework.