Seedbank diversity in grazing lands of the northeast United States
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Authors: B. F. Tracy, and M. A. Sanderson
Date: 2000
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 53
Number: 1
Pages: 114-118
Summary of Methods: The effects of grazing on seed bank composition were measured on nine farms in the northeastern United States. Seedbanks in grazed pastures had lower seed species diversity, a lower percentage of annual forb seeds, and a higher percentage of legume seeds than ungrazed pastures. Seedbanks in all pastures were dominated by bluegrass (Poa pratensis), white clover (Trifolium repens) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) seeds and had few other perennial grass seeds or seeds of preferred forages. Overall, this study suggests that seedbanks in these northeast pastures support abundant white clover and bluegrass seed, both of which are important forages for cattle. Soil seed banks, however, will not supply a diverse assemblage of useful forages. The authors note that if a manager seeks to establish diverse, mixed-species pasture, then re-seeding pastures with desired mixes may be the best option.
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: management-intensive grazing, viable seed, aboveground vegetation, temperate grasslands, dairy farms, species composition, seed bank
Annotation: Farms operated under management-intensive grazing, where high stocking densities were applied to small paddocks for short (12-48 hours) periods of time.
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