| dc.description.abstract | Global studies indicate that ungulates can have negative influences on soil
quality and directly affect soil nutrient availability. This thesis examines the effects of
past cattle grazing and current bison grazing on soil quality on a small, rented farm
property in Kakabeka Falls, Ontario. Three fields were chosen for comparison of a
position at the top of a hill intended to be used in rotational grazing (upslope area), a
heavily trampled mid-slope area, and the downslope area of the same hill near a natural
watercourse used for livestock watering. Bulk density, loss on ignition (an estimate of
soil organic carbon), and concentrations of soil macro-, micro-, and secondary nutrients
were calculated to compare the soils. ANOVA and MANOVA tests show that there
were significant differences with slope position and that, as expected from literature on
seepage, higher macronutrient levels were generally downslope. The mid-slope area had
lowest bulk density and highest soil organic carbon, perhaps due to high quantities of
manure in the soil. Continued monitoring of soil quality at the farm is recommended as
planting and rotational grazing remediate past failure to manage the pastures. | en_US |
