Water: Use fewer grazers

Overall effectiveness category Unknown effectiveness (limited evidence)
Number of studies: 1
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Study locations

Key messages

Water use (0 studies)

Water availability (0 studies)

Pathogens and pesticides (0 studies)

Nutrients (1 study): One replicated, randomized, controlled study in wet grasslands in the USA found no differences in nitrate and pH levels in surface water between areas grazed by cattle at low or moderate intensities.

Sediments (0 studies)

About key messages

Key messages provide a descriptive index to studies we have found that test this intervention.

Studies are not directly comparable or of equal value. When making decisions based on this evidence, you should consider factors such as study size, study design, reported metrics and relevance of the study to your situation, rather than simply counting the number of studies that support a particular interpretation.

Supporting evidence from individual studies

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1992–1996 in grazed wetlands in northern California, USA, found no differences in nitrate levels or pH between plots grazed by cattle at light or moderate intensities. Nutrients: There was no difference in nitrate levels or pH in surface water in lightly grazed plots, compared to moderately grazed plots (data not reported). Methods: Three meadows were studied. Three watersheds in each were randomly assigned to a grazing intensity: one with cattle excluded, one with light grazing (leaving 800–1,000 pounds of residual dry matter at the end of the season), and one with moderate grazing (leaving 600–700 pounds). Samples were taken from both the spring and along the creek in each watershed. Water samples were taken monthly.
Study and other actions tested
Referenced paper
Allen-Diaz B., Jackson R.D., Bartolome J.W., Tate K.W. & Oates L.G. (2004) Long-term grazing study in spring-fed wetlands reveals management tradeoffs. California Agriculture, 58.

Please cite as:

Shackelford, G. E., Kelsey, R., Robertson, R. J., Williams, D. R. & Dicks, L. V. (2017) Sustainable Agriculture in California and Mediterranean Climates: Evidence for the effects of selected interventions. Synopses of Conservation Evidence Series. University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Where has this evidence come from?

List of journals searched by synopsis

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This Action forms part of the Action Synopsis:

Mediterranean Farmland

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