Effects of herbivory on twig dynamics of a Sonoran desert shrub Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schn
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Authors: B. A. Roundy, and G. B. Ruyle
Date: 1989
Journal: Journal of Applied Ecology
Volume: 26
Number: 2
Pages: 701-710
Summary of Methods: The authors of this study compared the vegetative and reproductive growth of moderately and heavily grazed jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plants to jojoba plants that had been rested from grazing for 7 years inside livestock exclosures. The density of jojoba plants was similar inside and outside of exclosures, however, grazed plants were shorter, had less canopy cover, and produced less flowers than ungrazed plants. Moderate grazing enhanced twig growth and heavy grazing decreased twig growth, however, plants exposed to both grazing levels were able to compensate for vegetation lost to herbivory. The authors of the study suggest that moderate grazing intensities will maintain the health and productivity of jojoba plants in most pastures and that livestock producers should manage grazing intensities for the maintenance of moderately sized jojoba plants.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: jojoba, simmondsia chinensis, exclosure, compensatory growth, reproductive growth, plant production, defoliation intensity
Annotation: This gradient in grazing intensity adjacent to the exclosure provided an ideal field comparison of shrubs which were either ungrazed, moderately, or heavily grazed for the last 48 years.
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