Soil Structure

Penetrometer readings were taken on 11 April (pre-grazing trial) and 20 July (post-grazing trial). 10 tests to 30 cm, along the transect line were conducted using a Von Pein penetrometer in the multispecies and barley trial areas.

Penetrometer readings indicate an improvement of soil structure (decrease of 41 psi) in the multispecies trial plot, and a deterioration (increase of 84 psi) in the barley trial plot; however these differences are not statistically different and will require availability of additional data to determine trends.

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Table 1: Mean and Standard Deviation penetrometer readings in multispecies and barley paddocks prior and subsequent to grazing trial.

Penetrometer reading (psi)
11/04/20
20/07/20
Barley Paddock

409

(± 178)

493

(± 81)

Multispecies Paddock

434

(± 153)

393

(± 81)