overgrazing

Overgrazing occurs when too many animals graze on a rangeland, depleting vegetation and exposing soil to erosion. This reduces forage production, hinders water infiltration, and can lead to desertification. It also alters plant communities, favoring inedible species and potentially causing soil compaction and loss of topsoil. While grasslands can be converted to cropland for higher food yields, sustained heavy grazing degrades the land. Effective rangeland management involves regulating animal numbers and grazing duration, often using rotational grazing, and controlling invasive species to protect soil and biodiversity.12