KindHarvest summary: Soil health includes chemical fertility, physical structure and biological activity. A 2022 Ohio State University Extension column explains how grazing management and continuous plant cover can support all three.
What supports healthier soil
Living roots feed soil organisms through root exudates and help create channels that improve water infiltration. Plant residues and manure add organic matter, while well-managed grazing returns nutrients and encourages renewed plant growth.
Rotational grazing allows paddocks to rest and can support deeper, more resilient roots than continuous heavy grazing. The author advises leaving adequate leaf area after grazing so plants can recover and continue capturing sunlight.
Practical safeguards
Avoiding traffic and grazing on wet ground reduces compaction, which otherwise restricts roots, air and water movement. Maintaining year-round cover also limits erosion and protects the soil surface.
Biological management complements routine agronomy. Soil testing, suitable pH and balanced nutrient management remain necessary, and changes should be assessed over time using both field observations and measured results.
Source and credit
This KindHarvest Team practice brief is based on a column by Dean Kreager, Ohio State University Extension educator, published by Farm and Dairy on 14 July 2022. Read the original Farm and Dairy column.