Project Number: 1932-31630-002-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Feb 01, 1999
End Date: Jan 31, 2004

Objective:
To collect baseline data on physical parameters affecting quality of Appalachian grazing lands and monitor changes n these parameters under different livestock production and management systems. The addition of funds will assist in determining the interaction of soil chemical properties with physical parameters.

Approach:
Determine soil physical parameters to evaluate 'soil quality' and treatment effects on Appalachian lands with different livestock production and management systems. The parameters determined will be good indicators of potential productivity and sorptive capacity for agrochemicals (texture); compaction of layers near the surface, soil strength, cohesiveness, porosity, and aeration (bulk density); structural changes, compaction, and loss of aggregation (plant available water holding capacity and water infiltration rates); changes in drainability of soils and potential for excessive wetness (saturated hydraulic conductivity); crusting potential (soil strength); and changes in surface soil quality due to amendments and the ability of aggregates to withstand varying levels of disruptive forces (soil aggregate stability). Treatment (e.g., amendments, plant communities, grazing systems, livestock species) effects on physical properties of soil will be determined in various grazing and pasture management systems.

Project Team

Belesky, David Naraine Persaud - Professor, Soil Physicist (304)256-2854

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000   FY 1999

Related National Programs

Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages (205)