Many ecological processes accelerate including decomposition of manure. Nutrients can then be recycled several times during the growing season. This improves overall soil quality. Water quality improves as the pasture vegetation becomes more dense and the soil condition improves. A similar study done by USDA-Agricultural Research Service, North Appalachian Experimental Watershed at Coshocton, Ohio revealed that both surface and ground water quality in a pastured watershed was just as good or better than water leaving an adjacent pristine wooded watershed.
Pasture soils are a terrific biological filter to recover nutrients passing through the soil.
Grass roots are active nearly year-round and thus can recover nutrients efficiently from pasture soils that may be lost from other crops. Pasture systems reduce the time livestock spend in confinement, thus reducing the concentrated manure control problems. Manure is more evenly distributed with MIG than with feedlots, where there are potential manure odor control concerns, or on un-managed pastures where animals concentrate manure near shade or watering sites. Pasture, because of its permanent and diverse plant cover, provides increased shelter and food for wildlife as well as the grazing animal. Properly managed pastures can provide nesting habitat by delaying mowing and leaving adequate plant reserves for rapid growth.