Soils are complex systems composed of physical, chemical, and biological properties. Understanding each of these and how they impact soil function is critical in making management decisions that will support crop productivity and quality. Proper grazing management goes hand-in-hand with good soil management. Having animals graze pastures for brief periods followed by sufficient rest can improve root growth, increase soil organic matter, and lower the risk of compaction and other damage. Maintaining diversity of forage species in your pasture will also create a more complex network of roots, providing diverse aggregation channels to retain more nutrients and water, and provide good habitat for biological activity. Find more resources on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil below.