Effect of Grazing and Mowing on Soil Physiochemical Properties in a Semi-Arid Grassland of Northeast China

Abstract

The proper maintenance of soil physiochemical properties in grassland ecosystems through independent management practices like grazing and mowing have strongly influenced the soil quality and grassland yield. Less known is, to declare the best-fit management strategy for the grassland ecosystem. The present study was performed to search for the best-fit management system for the grassland ecosystem in northern China by evaluating the consequences of grazing and mowing on soil physiochemical properties like soil moisture, bulk density, electrical conductivity, pH, and total concentrations of C, N, and P. We found that compared to mowing, grazing significantly increased soil moisture, bulk density, and N concentration by 12%, 7%, and 14%, respectively. However, no significant effect of grazing was observed on soil C and P concentrations and C: N, C: P, and N: P ratios. However, grazing was found to strongly affect soil physiochemical properties; in contrast, mowing did not alter the soil C, N, and P concentrations and their stoichiometric ratios. Further, physical properties were altered more significantly than the soil chemical properties. This study suggests that, compared to mowing, cattle grazing has more positive impacts on soil physicochemical properties which will be the best-fit management strategy for the grassland ecosystem in northeastern China. A comprehensive investigation of long-term grazing and mowing on soil physicochemical properties may enable us to predict further better understandings.