As Above, So Below
By Elijah Cairo, Farm Bill Biologist, KS
As Above, So Below:
Wildlife Ecology and Its Relation to Soil Health
Introduction:
Initially, novice upland hunters typically are focused on only a couple of things when out in the field…often pheasants or quail and what their dog is signaling. Over time, hunters begin to pick up on certain characteristics or features of land that are usually favorable for the game species they are pursuing. Hunters may begin to pick up patterns like the types of plants or environments that are reminiscent of previous locations of success. I can assure you that unless these birds were “planted,” there is no coincidence. Wildlife ecology starts from the soil up.
Most public hunting grounds are often “restored” from previously degraded range land or farmland. When creating or initially seeding these areas many people with a conventional mindset just think spray the weeds, amend the soil (if needed), seed, then move on. While this may have some success after a few years, it most likely will not bring in the diversity that a landscape initially needs despite planting a strong seed mix. This leads to the landscape not reaching its true potential (regarding holding wildlife) for some time.
Lately, I have been listening to an audiobook on Hoopla from the local public library titled, Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown (not affiliated with Pheasants Forever). In Brown’s book, he goes on to tell his story and highlight the struggles within his agricultural career. He shares personal anecdotes and guidance that he has received over the years from likeminded farmers that has helped his farm/ranch stop hemorrhaging money and function as a business for personal profit rather than the banker’s.
One of Brown’s key points in his book is that the overall productivity of the land and the diversity of plant communities (or lack thereof) are not separate issues. They both rely on two things. One being the quality and structure of an area’s soil health, and the other being how the land is managed. Brown then details the methods that helped him restore his land and pastures utilizing solar energy and biological systems to do much of the work (livestock + cover crops).
While I understand that a lot of the land under contract with the NRCS for wildlife (such as CRP here in Kansas) doesn’t allow for grazing in the way in which Brown utilizes his livestock (Holistic management, similar to adaptive multi-paddock grazing (AMP)), it does bring new ideas to the table. For CRP you are only allowed to graze during extreme droughts for 90 days (if your county allows it) or until minimum grazing height is met. You can also use grazing as a management practice every few years at most although you do get a 25% payment reduction.
Historically (within the last 200-300 years), all of Kansas was utilized by bison and covered with native, intact ecosystems where fire was not suppressed and sometimes encouraged by indigenous groups. Bison would mass graze some of these areas very hard and then leave them for an extended period allowing for adequate rest, promoting plant growth and preventing overgrazing. All of these actions occurred simultaneously while fertilizing the environment and dispersing seed throughout their journey (encouraging biodiversity).
As we all know, the landscape has changed significantly and will continue to change as time goes on. The bison are gone along with the topsoil, but who is to say that we can’t make it better? It is wise to learn from the blunders of the past generations and leave the land better than we found it while improving the wildlife presence in an area. Think 7 generations ahead.
An example of a simple composition of cover crops (daikon radish, a type of legume - most likely hairy vetch, and a grass species like winter wheat or oats) from my travels into the field.
1.The reduction of soil structure historically from tilling, issues with no till/reduced till:
Most Kansans are aware Kansas was one of the states that was affected by the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s. One of my great grandmothers lived through the event in Western Kansas and transferred her stories to my grandma and great aunts then down to me. The dust afflicting damage to livestock and livelihood was caused by soil erosion from farming practices of the time coupled with severe drought.
With constant tillage and less than ideal grazing management, you end up losing topsoil over generations degrading the soil ecosystem overall. On top of it all the constant application of synthetic fertilizer, and various other manmade chemicals destroy the soil. All of this occurs while simultaneously making the soil reliant on costly outside inputs killing the soil ecology and preventing the symbiotic relationship between bacteria/fungus. Leading to a system that is out of balance, lacking natural checks and balances.
Today there are alternative ways to plant commodity crops like no-till and reduced till, but neither of these methods are perfect and still cause some erosion (though significantly less). If these practices are implemented with a multispecies cover crop mix (ideally higher than 3 or 4 species), you can expand the benefits of these practices immensely over time.
Brown often encourages people to have mixes containing or exceeding 7-8 species. This simulates a more natural ecosystem on a farm and promotes biodiversity both in the soil (microbes/invertebrates) and above the ground while holding on to topsoil and putting carbon in the soil.
2. Microbial ecology within the soil and its relation to both agricultural production/plant life:
With this new surplus of organic matter and nutrition in the soil, one can understand why plant life and microbial life can have an impact on what bugs hang around. These bugs are what end up feeding the songbirds, upland birds, small mammals, and reptiles/amphibians. Soil organic matter feeds plants, ensuring nutrition for both human and animal consumption. The old saying, “if you feed them, they will come” holds true at all scales. The use of cover crops and the creation of a more intact ecosystem tends to repress the presence of pests both above and below the soil.
Do note that perennial roots in the ground are typically the best option for holding onto soil and building up soil carbon. If you can establish legumes and other species during the initial seeding, you will eventually increase the microbial diversity in the soil, which will end up generating much of its own nitrogen fertility while increasing the ability to absorb and hold onto water and cycle nutrients. One will be able to see noticeable changes within a decade or two (or sooner). If you allow livestock to graze cover crops or perennial grasses/forbs in a way similar to bison while adapting with the precipitation/weather, you will often build soil faster.
Diversity is key to practically all the environmental issues we face, especially when considering wildlife and conservation efforts. If every landowner were to consider this and keep most trees out of our prairies, we would have some of the most productive ag lands in the world within a lifetime or two. This change in management has the power to improve both your wildlife habitat and your checkbook.
A landscape view of the potential forage available for grazing. Think of the potential income or savings for allowing grazing when other are feeding hay or grain!
Photo taken November 13th, 2024.
3. How landowners/tenants can make a change, steps to take:
For the landowners reading this and wanting to know where to start, I have some recommendations for you that don’t involve signing yourself up for a government program (although that works too). First, reach out to local producers utilizing cover crops within your area and ask about their experience and how they utilize cover crops. Second, understand that every location/farm is different and may need unique solutions/planning/managed given the circumstances of that area (there is no template).
If you are wanting to establish native grasses, investigate utilizing cover crops to prevent weed pressure and allowing for the establishment of a diverse array of warm season grasses and native legumes/forbs for a long-term period. Grazing and proper disturbance is a necessity for the landscape, and one should work towards keeping their land in various stages of disturbance. Consider reaching out to your local Farm Bill Biologist or local state wildlife biologist. Don’t be afraid to take courses, attend presentations and learn more about the subject even if you disagree with the topic. Lastly, please consider going to your local NRCS service center and see what programs they offer for what you are wanting, you may be surprised.
Pictured is a native forb Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L). A fall pollinator plant covered in various native insect species, food source for various upland bird species.
Conclusion:
Soil health is often an overlooked variable when considering wildlife restoration or creation. While the planting of native perennials is often advantageous, it is not always implemented perfectly. If the soil health/ecosystem is out of synch, it can greatly impact the species composition of the area leading to a less diverse environment. If the landscape is managed correctly with fire and proper grazing, great strides can be made.
If you are focused on creating a lush food plot for wildlife, I encourage you to not overlook the benefits of cover crops after the season. Cover crops allow for greater utilization of the area by wildlife (yearlong) and greater success with your main grain crop(s), potentially leading to less chemical inputs into your plot thus saving money. Think of cover crops as another potential source of income if you can custom graze the area too.
Lastly, I have been moved listening to Dirt to Soil, I encourage anyone who is either curious or skeptical to consider reading or listening to Gabe Brown’s book as I believe there is some merit to the information he is propagating. Ecologically, everything he says is correct. As a gardener, I often relate to some of the issues he is describing despite not being a farmer or rancher myself. Keep an open mind and do not fear change.