The Effects of Soil Compaction on Pastures in the Thoroughbred Industry

Soil compaction is a major constraint to pasture production for thoroughbred breeding farms. This study aims to discuss the problem and recommend various management processes that can alleviate soil compaction issues. Soil compaction has a negative effect on soil and pasture health, which can be linked to negative horse health outcomes.   

The locomotion of horses causes significant trampling of pasture and shallow compaction of soils within horse farms. Various management processes are required to combat the challenges of growing productive and resilient pastures for horses. Regenerative agriculture has brought about great consciousness of soil health issues and prompted discussion for further understanding. The notion of mimicking nature and creating holistic pasture management systems is prevalent within regenerative thinking. While regenerative grazing management is effective with cattle and sheep enterprises, raising horses presents challenges not experienced by other such enterprises.

Improvements in soil health through compaction management are a catalyst to creating healthier, more vibrant pastures. In turn, healthy, resilient pastures play a significant role in improving horse health and optimising equine development. While agronomic processes can create systems for the improvement of pastures, it is also important to implement farm design innovation to complement these changes. Modern science has availed many technologies that assist farm managers to understand their natural capital and improve management systems. Intervention with varied forms of tillage can be part of the solution for ongoing soil structure improvement.

Research suggests that, to maintain productive and sustainable horse pastures, it is vital that land management systems are adaptable to both the landscape and seasonal variability. Although potentially challenging, regenerative agriculture can be adapted to equine pasture production, with hybrid systems that retain some conventional practices perhaps offering optimal value. For example, sub-soil tillage is one conventional farming practice that can be an effective management tool, within a hybrid regenerative agriculture system. Additionally, engineering and management solutions – such as paddock design and the use of night yards – which reduce the number of grazing hours, can substantially improve pasture resilience. Finally, further education for equine pasture farmers about soil health, and strategies to successfully manage compaction, is also likely to have a significant positive impact.