Sustainable livestock production in sub-arctic Alaska: Plant and soil responses to simulated intensively managed grazing

Grazing treatments MH and MTH had a positive impact on forage yield, while T and MT had a negative impact compared to C (p < 0.05) in both pastures. Bare ground was reduced under all treatments in both locations compared to baseline measurements (p < 0.05) but was no different to control (p < 0.16). Differences were documented in soil parameters in both pastures with the hilltop pasture demonstrating the greatest change; MT had 93% more total water soluble nitrogen (N) and 287% more H3A extracted inorganic N than C (p < 0.05). In the hill bottom pasture, MTH had 28.5% more total water soluble N than C (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that trampling had a negative impact on forage yield if not combined with herbivory, while it had a positive impact on soil parameters if combined with manure. While grazing impact factors such as manure, trampling and herbivory have the potential to both benefit and harm pasture health, the study documented an improvement to both forage yield, and certain soil aspects of soil health and nutrients when applied in combination under the IMRG paradigm in the Alaskan sub-arctic.