What is the effect of overgrazing pastures?

Overgrazing pastures leads to decreased pasture productivity primarily because it can result in the overconsumption of vegetative cover. When animals graze excessively, the plants do not have enough time to recover before being grazed again, which can hinder their growth and reduce their overall biomass. This repeated stress can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity among plant species, and ultimately, degradation of the pastureland. As the quality and quantity of the forage declines, this also affects the nutritional value available for grazing animals, which can impact their overall health and well-being. Therefore, recognizing the consequences of overgrazing is crucial for managing pasture systems sustainably to maintain their productivity over time.