Timing of cattle grazing alters impacts on stream banks in an Oregon mountain watershed
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Authors: M. L. McInnis, and J. D. McIver
Date: 2009
Journal: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Volume: 64
Number: 6
Pages: 394-399
Summary of Methods: The effect of early and late summer grazing on streambank stability and cover was examined in a two year study conducted on Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. Three habitat types (forest, forest and meadow combined, and Kentucky bluegrass-dominated meadow) were examined. Three grazing treatments (non-grazed, early summer grazing, late summer grazing) were assigned to each habitat type from 1998-1999 with a mean stocking rate 0.7 ha AUM. Utilization of key forage species averaged 35-50% (moderate use). Stream bank cover and stability estimates were made directly before and after grazing of each 28-day period. Hoof print frequency was also estimated following grazing to be used as in indicator of cattle presence.
Article Summary / Main Points: Impacts of grazing in riparian areas vary according to animal management, geomorphic, edaphic, and hydroclimatological features interacting. In loam overlaying sand or cobble substrate, late summer grazing resulted in increased covered/unstable and uncovered/unstable stream banks, with stability declining more than twice that of early summer grazing. Both early and late summer grazing had some impact on stream banks, early summer grazing, when cattle were attracted to upland vegetation, alleviated some of these effects. Land managers must consider timing, frequency and intensity of grazing impacts on individual streams or even portions of streams when forming BMPs.
Vegetation Types: Ponderosa Pine Woodlands Sagebrush Steppe
MLRA Ecoregions: 10 Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills 43C Blue and Seven Devils Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian Grazing Rangelands
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: best management practices (bmps), greenline, riparian grazing, stream bank erosion
Annotation: Although this article is specific to Oregon this experiment could be replicated on specific riparian areas anywhere in the formation of BMPs. While elevation, parent material, and other physical factors may be different related to bank stability, the general results may be applicable in similar vegetation ecosystems.
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