Seasonal Effects of Non-selective Grazing on Soil Infiltration, Compaction, and Vegetation Structure in a Semi-arid Grassland of Northeast Mexico

Addressing the scarcity of national studies, this research evaluated seasonal effects of non-selective grazing on infiltration, soil compaction, soil moisture, and vegetation structure in an Amelichloa clandestina pasture in northeastern Mexico across four seasons.

Using a randomized block design (4 seasons, 3 replicates), non-selective grazing was evaluated pre- and post-grazing (333 LU ha^-1,where 1 LU = 450 kg live weight) in 600 m² plots. Infiltration (Kostiakov-Lewis), compaction (0-10 cm), and vegetation (dry matter, height, cover) were assessed before and after grazing. Analyses included ANOVA/Tukey for the seasons, Student's t-test for grazing (p < 0.05), and Spearman's correlation.

Seasonality varied post-grazing cumulative infiltration by 52% (spring: 14.8 cm vs. autumn: 7.1 cm) and the instantaneous infiltration rate by 68% (47.5 to 15.2 cm h^-1)^. Grazing effects on infiltration were non-significant in three seasons (p ≥ 0.05), yet it consistently increased subsoil compaction (>1800 kPa at 7.5-10 cm) and reduced dry matter by up to 89% (3347 to 218 kg DM ha^-1). Vegetation correlated with infiltration (r = 0.38).

While seasonality significantly influenced soil infiltration and moisture, non-selective grazing increased subsoil compaction (7.5-10 cm), degrading vegetation and reducing infiltration. Adaptive grazing, adjusted to seasonal moisture, is required to maintain productivity.

Seasonality drove infiltration 2-4 times more than grazing; adaptive management aligned with seasonal conditions is essential for grassland resilience.