This presentation includes the results and a description from a graduate-level research project investigating livestock integrated systems in the Great-Northern Plains on small scale vegetable crops, specifically looking at differences in grazed versus un-grazed sampling sites with an emphasis on soil health, soil microbial diversity and crop yield. Previous studies of livestock integration have shown a positive impact on soil health. We expect that the grazed portions will have improved crop production due to nutrient cycling compared to non-grazed portions.
Trestin Benson is a master's student studying the Impacts of Integrating Livestock into Small Scale Vegetable Farming Systems. She also works as a research associate at the Montana Wool Lab.