Examining Physical Soil Properties on Farms Following Four-Year Grassland Set-Asides in the Fraser River Delta

Soil health was evaluated at unproductive and productive operating farms in the western Fraser River delta of British Columbia, each with a grassland set-aside (GLSA) and field in annual crop rotation (ACR). Aggregate stability increased after one year of GLSA, and was maintained thereafter, but did not increase in ACR. Aeration porosity decreased at ACR and unproductive GLSA but not at productive GLSA. Bulk density was lower at GLSA after three years, yet similar to baseline after four years, with no change observed at ACR. These results suggest GLSA can help improve soil health and protect soil structure from degradation.