Pugging damage occurs when the soil is so soft that the weight of grazing animals cannot be supported by the soil surface. Compaction damage is caused by farm vehicles and machinery and results in:

• Poor drainage where the soil will remain softer and wetter and the herd will do ongoing damage at following grazings
• Damage to pasture reducing utilisation by 20 to 40%
• A reduction in future pasture yield to between 20% and 80% for four to eight months, depending on the soil type
• More tractor passes required for seedbed preparation and sowing
• Greater fertiliser requirements and topsoil and contaminant run-off