Effects of grazing on cryptogamic crusts in pinyon-juniper woodlands in Grand Canyon National Park
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Authors: R. J. Beymer, and J. M. Klopatek
Date: 1992
Journal: American Midland Naturalist
Volume: 127
Number: 1
Pages: 139-148
Summary of Methods: Vegetative and cryptogamic crust cover and biomass were measured at ungrazed, previously grazed and presently grazed sites, within and near Grand Canyon National Park. Cryptogamic crust cover and biomass were greatest on ungrazed sites and lowest on presently grazed sites, however, species composition of crusts were similar at all sites. Grazing also affected the composition of the plant community, with decreasing grass cover and increasing cover of weedy forbs and bare ground, compared to ungrazed and previously grazed sites. The data from previously grazed sites suggests that cryptogamic crust can slowly recover from the negative impacts of grazing, however, the authors caution that there is some threshold at which recovery will involve intensive time and management inputs after the removal of grazing pressure.
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 intensity, grazing history, species composition, crust cover, crust biomass, trampling
Annotation: Season of use is not specified.
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