Trample and Graze

One aspect of the work we are currently doing with the cows is getting a thick layer of grass, thistle, and other biomatter to cover the soil. By doing this we hope to encourage greater soil health and thus better plant and animal health.

Right now it looks pretty good. Through our grazing practices, most places have the desired ground cover. The idea is that by covering the soil, we are promoting microbial life that in turn creates better soil. By keeping the ground cool and protected from the sun, it is better suited for bugs and other microbes to flourish. It also helps retain greater amounts of water and reduce evaporation that may be caused by direct sun light. When it rains, the ground will be in a much better condition to absorb water rather then have it run off.

I am trying to document our progress somehow. I've been taking pictures of the ground cover in the different areas that we have grazed. I hope to be able to compare the pictures with some other data and try to figure out what we are looking for, visually, when we are out there with the cows.