The objective of this study was to assess near-surface bulk density under different forages and grazing intensities at a site in central Alberta. It was hypothesized that bulk density would increase as grazing intensity increased. Bulk density was expected to be higher under perennial forages than under annual forages and to increase less under smooth bromegrass than under meadow bromegrass.
Grazing increased Db, especially the heavily grazed treatment. Although Db under annual forages was lower than under perennial forages, Db under annual forages increased faster than under perennial forages. Cultivation lowered Db only slightly. Db was lower under smooth bromegrass than under meadow bromegrass, likely because of the former's rhizomatous rooting habit which helped mitigate Db increase in the zone of greatest compaction.