Document Type
Presentation (Class or campus)
Scholarship Type
Student Scholarship
Presentation Date
12-6-2016
Event Name and Location of Presentation
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Student Poster Session
Instructor(s) or Advisor(s)
Mike Winiski; Brannon Anderson
Abstract
Intensive rotational grazing (IRG) is a management technique that involves a more intentional management approach which includes increased paddock numbers, shorter grazing periods, larger livestock presence per acre, and longer periods of rest on pastures. Potential advantages of this management technique include improved forage quality, greater yield, decreased erosion, stable production during adverse growing condition, and improved soil fertility. This study collects and analyzes data to understand the impact of rotational grazing on soil fertility as measured by SOC (soil organic carbon) and SON (soil organic nitrogen) on Greenbrier Farms in Easley, South Carolina. This study analyzes the transition from open grazing to five years of intensive rotational to observe the change in SOC and SON levels. The existing evidence on the intensive rotational grazing process is merely anecdotal and lacks sufficient data, but suggests that improved SOC and SON ratios should be expected. The purpose of this study is to provide some of the first, comprehensive scientific data regarding the impact that intensive rotational grazing has on soil fertility as measured by SOC and SON ratios and map the observed changes to visually portray the findings. Mapping the changes in SOC and SON ratios overtime will provide an opportunity to analyze the trends in data and how they correspond to their location. The implications of scientifically supporting intensive rotational grazing as a method of improving soil fertility on pasture land has the potential to promote sustainable agriculture as a feasible practice, both environmentally and economically, which is becoming increasingly valuable considering the observed and projected global population growth.
Additional Affiliated Department, Center or Institute
Center for Teaching and Learning
Recommended Citation
Kirby, Emily, "Mapping the Impact of Intensive Rotational Grazing on Soil Fertility Over Time on Greenbrier Farms in Pickens County, South Carolina" (2016). Earth and Environmental Sciences Presentations. 17.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/ees-presentations/17
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Earth Sciences Commons, Environmental Sciences Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons