Stability of grazed patches on rough fescue rangelands
-
-
Authors: W. D. Willms, J. F. Dormaar, and G. B. Schaalje
Date: 1988
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 41
Number:
Pages: 503-508
Summary of Methods: Over 4 years, Willms et al. compared vegetation in overgrazed and undergrazed patches, in rough fescue grasslands. Overgrazed patches were dominated by grazing-resistant seral species, while undergrazed patches were dominated by climax species. Rough fescue (Festuca scabrella) and Parry oat grass (Danthonia parryl) plants were 50% shorter, and forage production was 35% less, on overgrazed patches compared to undergrazed patches. Soil organic matter, carbohydrates, and depth of the Ah horizon were significantly greater on undergrazed patches. Overgrazed pastures had greater urease activity, NO3N, NH4, and available phosphorus. Overgrazed and undergrazed patches were stable in the long-term, although patch boundaries fluctuated.
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: grazing pressure, spatial stability, organic matter, species composition, herbage yield, patches
Annotation: Grazing intensities: Light = 1.2 AUM/ha, Moderate = 1.6 AUM/ha, Heavy = 2.4 AUM/ha
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-