
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Singleton, P. L. 
A1  - Addison, B. 
T1  - Effects of cattle treading on physical properties of three soils used for dairy farming in the Waikato, North Island, New Zealand
JF  - Soil Research
JO  - Soil Res.
Y1  - 1999
VL  - 37
IS  - 5
SP  - 891
EP  - 902
KW  - poaching, sustainability, soil quality, compaction.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/SR98101 
N2  - A study of the physical condition of 3 soils used for intensive dairy farming in the Waikato Region was undertaken. The study was to determine the existing physical condition of the soil, the possible long-term changes from pugging damage, and the most appropriate measurements and depth for monitoring change in soil physical properties under dairying. Four dairy farms were selected on each of 3 soils (an Allophanic Soil and 2 Gley Soils). On each farm, 3 sites that corresponded to never trodden, usual (&#8216;average&#8217; paddock and pasture condition for the farm), and previously pugged (pugged &#62;18 months ago) pasture histories were sampled. Undisturbed soil cores were collected at 50-mm depth increments to 250 mm for determination of bulk density, total porosity, saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, proportion of pores &#62;30 and 60 &#181;m, and aggregate size class. Results showed pugging was having a long-term effect on soil physical properties of all 3 soils, including the well-drained Allophanic Soil that rarely pugged. All measurements showed a decline in values for soil properties from never trodden to previously pugged. The greatest changes were in hydraulic conductivity, proportion of pores, and aggregate size (&#62;60 and &#60;20 mm). The most appropriate depth increment for measuring differences between treatments was found to be 50&#8211;100 mm. A comparison of previously pugged to never trodden at this depth showed that hydraulic conductivity had decreased by 80%, pore size by 46% (except for Allophanic Soil), and the proportion of aggregates &#62;60 mm in diameter had increased at least 4-fold. Farming practices that minimise pugging damage, such as on/off grazing, need to be encouraged. It is possible that such programs may permit the soil to recover to a physical state similar to never trodden sites. 
ER  -

