Soil Health Framework
Livestock Integration

What does this look like? 

Adaptive grazing of livestock across fields is implemented to improve soil biodiversity, weed management, and nutrient input. Cattle, sheep, and/or goats are commonly seen on harvested fields and forage pastures included in crop rotations. Livestock type, class, and stock density are appropriate for the forage quality and grazing area, and animals are moved within the grazing area at appropriate intervals to avoid overworking the topsoil. 

Why is this helpful? 

Livestock integration into cropping systems offers several soil health benefits related to animal manure and, with forage crops, the practice can increase root growth and associated soil organic matter. By introducing grazing, livestock can convert crop residues into manure, and they can help incorporate residues into the soil with their hooves. Grower-grazer relationships provide mutual benefits and reduce costs for animal and crop operations. On-farm biodiversity improves, including forage plants and beneficial birds, wildlife and insects. Foraging reduces weed pressure on annual crops, which can reduce the need to apply pesticides. Hoof action improves water infiltration and water holding capacity in compacted fields, reducing tiling and irrigation needs. 

Co-benefits on the farm:

• Livestock integration can reduce fertilizer costs and feed costs, providing mutual benefit to growers and grazers.
• Addresses soil, plant, and air resource concerns including soil compaction, soil organic matter depletion, soil organism habitat degradation, objectionable odors, plant pest pressure, and plant structure and composition.