Production and rain use efficiency in shortgrass steppe: grazing history, defoliation and water resource
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Authors: A. S. Varnamkhasti, D. G. Milchunas, W. K. Lauenroth, and H. Goetz
Date: 1995
Journal: Journal of Vegetation Science
Volume: 6
Number:
Pages: 787-796
Summary of Methods: Varnamkhasti measured the effects of long-term grazing history (ungrazed, light, heavy), current year defoliation (clipped, unclipped), and water availability (normal, wet) on primary production and rain use efficiency. In general, water availability had the greatest effects, previous grazing history was intermediate, and current year defoliation had the least effects. Several interactions were present in the data analysis, suggesting that responses were quite variable, depending on the tested combination of the three treatments. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms driving these interactions in this complex system.
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: compensatory growth, grazing intensity, precipitation use efficiency, primary production, semiarid grassland, simulated grazing, plant community composition
Annotation: Plants were clipped three times between late June and late July to simulate early, mid, and late-season grazing. Plants in cages were clipped to simulate the actual use of vegetation outside of the exclosures by cattle in light and heavily grazed pastures.
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