In general, intensively used pasture soils are more compacted than intensively used meadow soils and the compaction zone is more concentrated in the topsoil. The main reasons for this are the higher ground pressure caused by livestock treading and the more frequent pressure loads during intensive grazing compared to driving on grassland machines.
Bioindicators
Creeping buttercup, broad plantain and annual bluegrass are the best bioindicators of soil compaction in permanent grassland. Soil compaction indicators are predominantly low-growing, creeping and rosette plants rich in bottom leaves. If soil compaction indicators spread widely in the crop, the yield decreases and the grassland soil is damaged and compacted.
Broad plantain, annual bluegrass and creeping buttercup
(Photos: Bohner, A.)
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