Activity Books Wool & Sheep Activity Book | Page 10

SHEEP & THE ENVIRONMENT
Sheep are a natural, low cost way to protect the environment. They can
increase the value and beauty of our natural resources by controlling weeds
and improving soil conditions. For example, using sheep to eat plants around
pine seedlings help the little trees to grow because they get more sunlight,
minerals and water. This means fewer chemicals have to be used to control
competing plants.
Sheep have pointed hooves which break up the soil so seeds can find a
place to grow. When the soil is broken into smaller pieces water can easily get
into the ground. This helps plants grow and the plants help prevent soil erosion.
Controlled sheep grazing is used to improve habitat areas for wildlife.
Sheep will eat plants that have become dried and low in food value. The
plants then grow back more tender and higher in food value. The deer and elk
then have better grasses to eat in the winter.
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Using sheep grazing to control weeds can reduce or eliminate the use of costly chemical herbicides.