Overgrazing and Soil Erosion

Which option best defines overgrazing in the context of soil erosion?

• Keeping animal numbers low so vegetation can regrow

• Keeping too many animals on a piece of land, eating vegetation down to the roots

• Moving livestock frequently to fresh pasture to spread grazing pressure

• Feeding animals supplementary fodder during dry seasons

According to the material, which is a listed cause of overgrazing?

• Too many animals concentrated in a small area

• Regular rotational grazing practices

• Abundant rainfall throughout the year

• Early planting of pasture grasses

Which practice during the dry season contributes to overgrazing?

• Providing animals with fodder to reduce pasture pressure

• Not giving animals fodder, forcing them to eat pasture to the roots

• Allowing pastures to lie fallow and recover

• Reducing herd size temporarily

Which effect of overgrazing on animals is described in the notes?

• Animals become less healthy due to insufficient nutrients

• Animals gain weight rapidly from excess forage

• Animals show improved fertility and more offspring

• Animals are protected from soil-borne diseases

What plant-related effect results from overgrazing?

• Accelerated plant regrowth due to frequent trimming

• Plants do not have enough time to regrow after being eaten down

• Increased seed production across pasture species

• Improved root systems that stabilize soil

Which outcome is linked to weak animals under overgrazing conditions?

• Fewer offspring and lower produce

• Higher milk yield and reproduction rates

• Stronger immunity and faster growth

• Stable population numbers regardless of pasture quality

Identify the management strategy that directly lowers grazing pressure by alternating where animals feed.

• Rotational or strip grazing

• Continuous grazing on the same paddock

• Increasing herd size on limited land

• Burning pasture to stimulate new growth

Which management action helps prevent overgrazing during scarce forage periods?

• Providing fodder/food for animals

• Stopping all watering points

• Introducing predators to control herds

• Delaying any feeding until plants regrow

What is the goal of allowing pastures to lie fallow?

• To encourage animals to eat vegetation down to the roots

• To recover and regrow vegetation before animals return

• To increase herd density on the land

• To reduce soil moisture for erosion control

Reasoning task: A farmer notices soil erosion and thinning pasture. Based on the strategies provided, which combined actions are most likely to address both issues?

• Increase herd size and continue continuous grazing

• Provide supplementary fodder and implement rotational grazing

• Allow pastures to lie fallow while cutting water access

• Reduce fodder and introduce more grazing animals