Soil resistance under grazed intermediate wheatgrass

Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium] is a productive, high-quality perennial forage that lacks persistence under grazing. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three grazing times on soil bulk density, soil pH, and soil organic C under intermediate wheatgrass. Treatment effects on the three soil attributes were negligible, implying grazing time did not negatively impact intermediate wheatgrass beyond a threshold whereby critical soil functions were impaired. Findings from this study are important in the context of sustainable forage and cropping system management, where maintaining or improving critical soil functions are essential for enhancing agroecosystem sustainability. Key words: Seeded perennial forages, Northern Great Plains, soil organic C