Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a benefit of strip grazing?

1. Decreases soil nutrient depletion

2. Increases livestock stress

3. Improves variety of weeds

4. Reduces dietary consistency

The correct answer is: Decreases soil nutrient depletion

The benefits of strip grazing are significant when considering pasture management and livestock health. One of the primary advantages is that it helps decrease soil nutrient depletion. This method of grazing involves dividing pasture land into smaller sections, which allows livestock to graze a specific area while leaving the rest undisturbed. By rotating animals through these strips, the grazed areas have time to recover, allowing for regrowth of vegetation and restoration of soil health. The resting period for ungrazed pastures facilitates nutrient cycling and organic matter restoration, ultimately leading to a healthier ecosystem. Additionally, it promotes better root growth and contributes to improved soil structure, which helps retain moisture and nutrients. This practice can enhance biodiversity in the soil, leading to a more productive pasture overall. In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are not typically associated with strip grazing practices. Increasing livestock stress may occur in less managed grazing systems or under poor animal husbandry practices, while strip grazing is designed to reduce stress by ensuring that animals have access to fresh forage. Improving the variety of weeds may not be a direct benefit of strip grazing; it tends to promote healthier forage species rather than a greater diversity of undesirable plants. Lastly, reducing dietary consistency is generally an undesirable outcome of grazing practices, as consistent diet