Sheep grazing as a silvicultural tool to suppress brush
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Authors: S. H. Sharrow, W. C. Leininger, and B. Rhodes
Date: 1989
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 42
Number: 1
Pages: 2-4
Summary of Methods: This study determined if sheep grazing could control competing vegetation in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantations in Pacific Northwest coniferous forests. Two years of sheep grazing reduced growth of understory brush and forbs compared to non-grazed areas. In general, utilization of brush by sheep was moderate to heavy, except in the spring of 1982, when brush was lightly utilized. Sheep grazing effectively reduced both total understory plant growth and brush net current year's growth on all plantations. Grazing increased the diameter of Douglas-fir trees at the end of the grazing season in both years. Trees in grazed plantations had greater heights and diameters three growing seasons after grazing was applied, suggesting that grazing can have long-term effects on tree growth. Based on these results, the authors concluded that sheep grazing may be effectively used as a silvicultural tool in brush control in coastal Douglas-fir forests.
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: biological control, douglas fir, pseudotsuga menziesii, forest grazing, agro-forestry, targeted grazing
Annotation: The first year of the study, 700 ewes with lambs were grazed at a stocking rate of 5.8 ha/band day. The second year of the study 900 dry ewes grazed the study site at a stocking rate of 6.2 ha/band day. Each year a series of plantations, ranging in size from 10 to 40-ha was grazed according to a predetermined schedule. Within this schedule, one study plantation was grazed in May, one in July, and one in August. Clipping was used to determine phytomass and current year's growth and utilization.
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