Sustainable agriculture illustration showing intertwined roots, lush pastures, and bean crops.

Unlock Your Farm's Potential: How Grazing and Nitrogen Balance Boost Soil & Bean Yields

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Avery Sinclair in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Sustainable farming practices revealed: Discover how strategic grazing and nitrogen application can dramatically improve soil health and bean productivity."


In the world of agriculture, finding sustainable practices is key to ensuring long-term productivity and environmental health. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICL) offer a promising approach by combining crop cultivation and animal grazing to create mutually beneficial relationships. Understanding how these components interact is crucial for making informed decisions that enhance both soil quality and crop yields.

A recent study investigated the effects of grazing and nitrogen levels on soil physical properties and bean productivity within an integrated system. The research focused on how different nitrogen applications on ryegrass pastures, coupled with grazing management, influence soil health indicators such as density, porosity, and resistance to penetration, ultimately impacting the subsequent bean crop.

This article breaks down the study's findings, providing practical insights into optimizing grazing and nitrogen use to achieve sustainable soil management and maximize bean yields. Learn how strategic grazing and nitrogen application can transform your farm into a more productive and environmentally sound operation.

The Science of Soil & Sustainability: Grazing and Nitrogen's Impact

Sustainable agriculture illustration showing intertwined roots, lush pastures, and bean crops.

The study was conducted at the CEDETEG Campus of the State University of the Center-West (UNICENTRO) in Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil. Researchers used a randomized block design to assess the impact of varying nitrogen doses (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha⁻¹) applied to ryegrass pastures in the winter, followed by bean cultivation in the summer. The presence or absence of grazing was also factored in as a key variable.

Here's a breakdown of the key methodologies used:

  • Experimental Design: Randomized block design with split-plots and three replications.
  • Nitrogen Treatments: Four nitrogen levels applied to ryegrass pasture.
  • Grazing Management: Continuous sheep grazing with variable stocking rates to maintain consistent pasture height.
  • Data Collection: Soil physical properties (density, porosity, penetration resistance) measured at different depths and stages. Bean yield was measured after harvest.
  • Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance and regression analysis to determine significant effects and relationships.
The results indicated that moderate grazing, combined with appropriate nitrogen fertilization, did not compromise soil physical quality. In fact, nitrogen fertilization at 150 kg ha⁻¹ during the winter ryegrass pasture phase led to high bean yields without requiring additional nitrogen application for the bean crop. The study also noted that the impact of sheep treading on soil penetration resistance was primarily limited to the top 0.10 m of the soil.

Sustainable Soil for Future Harvests

This research underscores the importance of understanding the interactions within integrated crop-livestock systems. By carefully managing grazing intensity and nitrogen inputs, farmers can enhance soil physical properties, leading to improved crop yields and a more sustainable agricultural operation. The findings suggest that a balanced approach to grazing and nitrogen fertilization can minimize soil compaction, promote healthy root development, and optimize nutrient cycling.

The study's recommendation of 150 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen during the winter ryegrass phase offers a practical guideline for farmers seeking to boost bean productivity without over-fertilizing. Further research could explore the long-term effects of these practices on soil health and carbon sequestration, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their sustainability.

By implementing these strategies, farmers can create a resilient and productive farming system that benefits both the environment and their bottom line. Embracing sustainable practices is not only an investment in the future of agriculture but also a step towards creating a healthier planet.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1809-4430-eng.agric.v35n1p11-26/2015, Alternate LINK

Title: Pastejo E Nitrogênio No Azevém Sobre A Qualidade Física Do Solo E Produtividade Do Feijão

Subject: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)

Journal: Engenharia Agrícola

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Veruschka R. M. Andreolla, Aníbal De Moraes, Amadeu Bona Filho, Itacir E. Sandini, Andreia K. Bonini, Leonardo Deiss

Published: 2015-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is an integrated crop-livestock system, and why is it important?

An Integrated crop-livestock system (ICL) combines crop cultivation and animal grazing. This creates a symbiotic relationship where the animal grazing can improve soil quality and the crops benefit from the improved soil health. This method offers a path towards sustainable and profitable farming practices.

2

What were the key aspects of the study's methodology?

The study focused on how different levels of nitrogen applied to ryegrass pastures affected soil properties and the yield of the subsequent bean crop. The research used nitrogen doses of 0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha⁻¹ on ryegrass pastures. The presence or absence of grazing was also a key factor. The study used a randomized block design to assess these factors. This design helped researchers determine the impact of grazing and nitrogen levels on soil properties like density, porosity, and penetration resistance.

3

What were the main findings regarding grazing, nitrogen, and bean yields?

Moderate grazing combined with appropriate nitrogen fertilization did not negatively affect the soil. Nitrogen fertilization at 150 kg ha⁻¹ during the ryegrass phase led to high bean yields without the need for extra nitrogen for the bean crop. This suggests that strategic grazing and nitrogen application can lead to improved bean yields and better soil health. Specifically, the sheep treading primarily affected the top 0.10 m of the soil.

4

Where was the study conducted and what methods were used?

The study took place at the CEDETEG Campus of the State University of the Center-West (UNICENTRO) in Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil. The research was conducted using a randomized block design with split-plots and three replications. Researchers measured soil physical properties at different depths and stages, along with bean yield, and used statistical analysis to determine significant effects.

5

What are the main implications of this research?

The implications of this research highlight the importance of managing grazing intensity and nitrogen inputs in ICL systems. By carefully managing grazing and nitrogen, farmers can improve soil physical properties, which leads to higher crop yields and a more sustainable farm. This includes minimizing soil compaction, supporting healthy root development, and optimizing nutrient cycling.

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