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

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of rotational grazing on the change in ground cover of a grassland, after 22 years of application in the North Central Region of Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: Two transects were established in the grassland in 2000, coinciding with the start of rotational grazing, to measure soil and vegetation attributes. Additional information was subsequently collected in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2022. An analysis of variance was performed for each variable to identify the effect of rotational grazing.

Results: Rotational grazing increased plant base cover, leaf litter, and ground cover, while decreasing bare soil cover and mature crust.

Limitations on study/implications: No other ranches were included in the research because few ranches in the region implement rotational grazing.

Findings/conclusions: Rotational grazing proved to be a key means of improving ground cover in grasslands.

Increased ground cover of perennial plants was associated with increased rainfall.