Soil bulk density measurements were taken from pastures used for winter feeding to determine the effects of different stocking rates on soil compaction and recovery. Samples were taken from paired ungrazed (control) pastures, normally grazed pastures (10 head per ha), and pastures grazed 4 times normal. Results show that significant differences occur in soil bulk density with increased stocking rates, and that 2 growing seasons with protection from grazing and trampling are insufficient time for complete recovery.
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Stephenson et al. (1987) studied this question.