Examining physical soil properties on farms following 4-year grassland set-asides in the Fraser River Delta
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Soil health was evaluated at unproductive and productive operating farms in the western Fraser River Delta of British Columbia, each with a grassland set-aside (GLSA) and field in annual crop rotation (ACR). Aggregate stability increased after 1 year of GLSA, and was maintained thereafter, but did not increase in ACR. Aeration porosity decreased at ACR and unproductive GLSA but not at productive GLSA. Bulk density was lower at GLSA after 3 years, yet similar to baseline after 4 years, with no change observed at ACR. These results suggest GLSA can help improve soil health and protect soil structure from degradation.
Source: Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Institution: University of British Columbia
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7203824353