192 Outcomes of Simulated Combinations of Rangeland Management Scenarios on Soil and Nutrient Processes

Abstract The relationships among rangeland management practices and ecosystem on soil nutrient processes are complex. Simulation models can provide valuable insight into this complexity to guide future research decisions for sustainable grazing systems. objective of analysis was evaluate the combinations (continuous vs. rotational), stocking rate (low, moderate, or high), burning (none annual spring burn) erosion, losses, carbon sequestration. Soil, weather, forage species data were collected 3 locations in Central Great Plains (Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas; Agricultural Research Center-Hays, Experimental Range, Wyoming). These used simulate scenarios using Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model. A stocker cattle operation simulated at Hays, Kansas Wyoming locations, a cow-calf Konza, location. Burning increased loss from water erosion regardless management. Rotational but decreased compared with continuous grazing. Stocking had little effect nitrogen rotational Greater rates slightly phosphorus losses grazing, not other locations. deposition organic especially resulted Konza Wyoming. In conclusion, differentially affect ecosystems such that one-size-fits-all scheme will maximize retention all nutrients ecosystems.