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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #206860
Title: Impact of Cattle Congregation Sites on Soil Nutrients and Soil Compaction.

Author
item Sigua, Gilbert
item Albano, Joseph
item Coleman, Samuel

Submitted to: Florida Scientist
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2007
Publication Date: 3/16/2007
Citation: Sigua, G.C., Albano, J.P., Coleman, S.W. 2007. Impact of Cattle Congregation Sites on Soil Nutrients and Soil Compaction [abstract]. Florida Scientist.70(1):12-18.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This study determined the impact of grazing cattle on the changes in soil quality around and beneath cattle congregation sites (mineral feeders, water troughs, and shades). Baseline soil samples around and beneath three congregations sites in established (>10 yr) grazed beef cattle pastures at the USDA, ARS, Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS), Brooksville, FL, were collected in July 2002 to July 2005. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) at different locations around the congregation sites following a radial sampling pattern at 0.9, 1.7, 3.3, 6.7, 13.3, 26.7, and 53.3 m from the approximate center of mineral feeders, water troughs, and shaded areas. Concentrations of total inorganic nitrogen, total phosphorus, and the degree of soil compaction varied significantly among the different congregation sites. The highest concentrations of total inorganic nitrogen (34 mg/kg) and total phosphorus (34 mg/kg) were found at the shade and mineral feeder sites, respectively. The most compacted soil (>230 psi) was from the mineral feeders site. Although the levels of total inorganic nitrogen and total phosphorus were high near the center of the congregation sites, their levels did not increase with soil depth and their concentrations decreased almost linearly away from the center of the congregation sites. Soil compaction tended to decrease away from the center of the mineral feeder sites, but not at the water trough or shade sites. Early results of the study are suggesting that cattle congregation sites in beef cattle operations in Florida are not nutrient rich and may not contribute more nutrients to surface and groundwater supply under Florida conditions. Since there is no vertical build up or horizontal movement of inorganic nitrogen or total phosphorus in the landscape, we can then surmise that cattle congregation sites may not be considered a potential source of nutrients at the watershed level.