Sheep Grazing in a Wheat–Fallow System Affects Dryland Soil Properties and Grain Yield

摘要: Sheep (Ovis aries L.) grazing, an eff ective method of controlling weeds and pests in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow system, may aff ect dryland soil properties yield. We evaluated the ects fallow management for weed control water conservation (sheep herbicide application [chemical], tillage [mechanical]) cropping sequence (continuous spring [CSW], wheat–fallow [SW-F], winter [WW-F]) on nutrients chemical 0- to 60-cm depth Th e experiment was conducted Blackmore silt loam from 2004 2008 southwestern Montana. Soil P K concentrations at 0 30 cm were lower grazing than or mechanical treatments. In contrast, Na, Ca, Mg greater treatment. concentration 60 under CSW WW-F. SO 4 –S varied with sequence. pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC) 15 Annualized yield SW-F WW-F but not ected by management. probably consuming residues returning them various levels through feces urine. increased CEC, EC, incorporating crop residue, feces, urine into soil. By applying enough fertilizers using less intensive sheep can be used sustain yields without seriously ecting properties.