Overgrazing, particularly on slopes, can cause significant alterations in soil quality, determining a greater vulnerability to soil erosion. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of horse overgrazing on sloping (20%) soil properties. Chemical and biochemical parameters have been determined in order to evaluate soil quality. A significant decrease in nutrients was observed after one year. The trend of enzyme activities highlighted a reduction of metabolic processes. However, after one year of resting land, an improvement of soil quality could be noticed by the restoration of the initial level of enzymatic activities.

Assessment of overgrazing on degradation of sloping soil

Eleonora Peruzzi;Cristina Macci;Serena Doni;Grazia Masciandaro;
2012

Abstract

Overgrazing, particularly on slopes, can cause significant alterations in soil quality, determining a greater vulnerability to soil erosion. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of horse overgrazing on sloping (20%) soil properties. Chemical and biochemical parameters have been determined in order to evaluate soil quality. A significant decrease in nutrients was observed after one year. The trend of enzyme activities highlighted a reduction of metabolic processes. However, after one year of resting land, an improvement of soil quality could be noticed by the restoration of the initial level of enzymatic activities.
2012
Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri - IRET
Horse
Soil quality
Enzyme activity
Soil degradation
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/128073
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