Proper Grazing Can Heal Soil Erosion

by Alan Boerger, Resource Conservationist
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Topeka, Kansas

Soil erosion has always been a serious problem in Kansas, particularly soil erosion on cropland fields. However, there is another area where soil erosion problems can be a distinct disadvantage and that is on grasslands. Improper grazing of grasslands can be a catalyst for the beginning of severe erosion concerns in range and pastureland, and if the problem is not addressed, could even lead to the destruction of the resource itself.

The process of properly grazing grasslands is made up of several different actions. Perhaps the two most important actions a producer can take are 1) developing a Planned Grazing System on their grasslands, and 2) trying to even out the grazing distribution of the individual pastures.

In developing a Planned Grazing System, a producer must consider many factors. The first factor to consider is the type and number of livestock that will be utilizing the unit. Depending on the condition of the grass (whether it is in poor, fair, or good condition) will ultimately determine how many head of livestock can utilize the area without over grazing the site or hurting the vigor of the grass(es) present. Once the livestock numbers are established, the producer must harvest the grass in such a manner that helps to sustain the grass stand. A good rule of thumb to use is the “use half, leave half” rule. If this rule is followed, producers should see their stand of grass flourish and sustain itself. Another factor one might want to consider is cross fencing. Fencing tends to control where the animals graze and will also help the producer develop rotation patterns that will maximize the use of the grass resources. By keeping the stand vigorous and healthy, bare areas in the pasture are kept to a minimum thus reducing or even preventing soil erosion from starting.

In addition to a good grazing system, a producer must be aware that proper distribution of grazing is also important. A couple of good courses of action to take would be to place the water sources in the unit where cattle can access them easily. A good rule of thumb to follow on water sources is that livestock should not have to travel more than half a mile to water. If grazing animals have to travel more than a half-mile length, they tend to graze and loaf more in the area close to the water source thus increasing the grazing pressure on the grass and even causing bare areas to appear. In larger grazing units, one might want to consider installing another source of water, such as a pond or livestock water pipeline, in order to ease the pressure on the existing area around the current water source.

Another course of action would be to adjust where salt/mineral blocks or supplements are located within the grazing unit. Historically, these items were located close to the water sources. A producer can alter grazing distribution by simply moving the salt and mineral blocks around the unit, especially to areas where livestock are not utilizing the grass. Moving the blocks to those areas will draw the livestock to them, which in turn will allow the animal a chance to graze around those lightly used areas. By evening out grazing distribution throughout the grazing unit, this will help heal bare areas, reduce over grazed spots, and even heal trails or prevent trailing. Furthermore, this will lessen the erosion on bare areas and reduce, or even prevent, the chance that gullies will form from livestock trails.

Our grassland resources are a very important part of the livestock industry in Kansas. Keeping our grasslands free from erosion and overgrazing will be a benefit to the rancher and the industry. If you are interested in setting up a planned grazing system or are just concerned with erosion problems occurring in your rangeland or pastures, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. The NRCS staff will be glad to assist you in anyway they can.

For more information about grazing systems, please contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office or conservation district office located at your local county USDA Service Center.

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Last Modified: 09/08/2008