Trampling effects from short-duration grazing on tobosagrass range
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Authors: J. R. Weigel, C. M. Britton, and G. R. McPherson
Date: 1990
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 43
Number: 2
Pages: 92-95
Summary of Methods: Weigel et al. broadcast seeded a kleingrass cultivar (Panicum coloratum L. 'Selection 75') into tobosagrass (Hilaria mutica) range, managed under a short-duration grazing regime, to test the impact of hoof action on germination. Grazing did not impact seedling emergence, which did not differ between grazed and ungrazed treatments, or seedling survival. All seedlings died 3 to 7 days post-emergence, likely due to lack of rainfall and competition from established perennials. While soil strength, a proxy for bulk density, was greater in hoofprints following the first year of trampling, compaction did not differ in the second year plots, suggesting that the clay Vertisols of the site recovered via shrink-swell action between treatments.
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: seedling establishment, soil compaction, grazing management, kleingrass, panicum coloratum
Annotation: The 14-ha study pasture was stocked with steers at 1.7 AUM/ha in 1985 and 1.2 AUM/ha in 1986 for 3 cycles between mid-April and mid-July each year.
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