Under a management intensive grazing system, livestock are rotated through paddocks every 12 to 24 hours. This results in increased forage production and increased carrying capacity. The additional fertilizer application and manure inputs onto the paddocks increase the potential for nutrient leaching. This study examined phosphorus leaching under intensively grazed paddocks. These paddocks contained eight grass-legume mixtures. The grasses and legumes used were meadow brome (Bromus riparius Rehm), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacae Schreb.), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Leachate samples were collected weekly using porous ceramic cup lysimeters at depths of 60 and 90 cm. Samples were analyzed for dissolved reactive phosphorus. The difference in phosphorus concentrations under the eight grass-legume mixtures will be discussed.
See more of Characterization and Environmental Impacts of Phosphorus
See more of A05 Environmental Quality
See more of The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)