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dc.contributor.supervisorEntz, Martin (Plant Science)en
dc.contributor.authorNeufeld, Simon James Regehr
dc.date.accessioned2008-09-12T22:13:00Z
dc.date.available2008-09-12T22:13:00Z
dc.date.issued2008-09-12T22:13:00Z
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/3079
dc.description.abstractThree studies were undertaken from 2006 to 2007 to examine litter (dead plant material) in southwestern Manitoba pastures. First, the relationship between litter and soil microclimate was tested across five pasture sites. The amount of litter biomass was not strongly related to soil moisture, though near-surface soil temperatures were reduced when litter was present. Second, the effect of four simulated grazing strategies on the litter layer was measured in six pastures. It was found that after three years of simulated grazing, litter was present in largest quantities in the least-frequently grazed treatments. Finally, a field survey was conducted assessing the quantity of litter present in native pastures across Manitoba. Litter was quite variable and averaged 1902 kg/ha over two years. This research confirmed the value of litter as an indicator of sustainable pasture management, though it remains unclear whether litter is important to pastures from the perspective of soil microclimate.en
dc.format.extent8116948 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.subjectplant residueen
dc.subjectsoil moistureen
dc.subjectsoil temperatureen
dc.subjectgrazing managementen
dc.titleAn evaluation of plant litter accumulation and its benefits in Manitoba pasturesen
dc.typemaster thesisen_US
dc.degree.disciplinePlant Scienceen_US
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeBullock, Paul (Soil Science) Ominski, Kim (Animal Science)en
dc.degree.levelMaster of Science (M.Sc.)en_US
dc.description.noteOctober 2008en


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