The movement of large animals on the ground has several effects on the soil which in turn affects plant growth. Firstly, soil moved by walking animals buries seeds and promotes germination. Secondly, trampling of litter promotes its decomposition and recycling of nutrients. Thirdly, trampled material forms a mulch layer that assists in moisture conservation. One of the most important negative factors in the grass eco-system is the effect of concentrated excreta by animals on the pasture.
Fouled plants are temporarily unacceptable to animals.
If dung is not dispersed or decomposed rapidly, it kills the plants and it smothers or lowers the production of the plant for up to a year or more. Research has shown that higher plant yield and nutrient uptake was achieved due to dung beetle activity. For this reason, the preservation of the beetle population is critical. Therefore the use of veterinary chemicals such as tick remedies, which have an adverse effect on the dung beetles, is strictly controlled for the preservation of the beetles. Healthy dung beetles follow the animals closely and within hours of defecation, the dung is disintegrated, removed from the surface and carried deep into the soil below.