Grazing intensity and ecosystem processes in a northern mixed-grass prairie, USA
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Authors: M. E. Biondini, B. D. Patton, and P. E. Nyren
Date: 1998
Journal: Ecological Applications
Volume: 8
Number: 2
Pages: 469-479
Summary of Methods: The objective of this 8-year study was to evaluate the ecosystem-level impacts of no-grazing vs. sustained moderate and heavy cattle grazing, in terms of plant species basal cover, density, and composition, above-ground and below-ground net primary production, N content of above-ground and below-ground net primary production, N loss, and soil mineralization. Precipitation, not grazing, was the major factor driving species composition and net primary production during the study. Severe grazing reduced soil N mineralization, the biomass and N content of standing dead matter, and litter; while moderate and heavy grazing increased decomposition and reduced the biomass and N content of roots. The authors concluded that grazing does not enhance productivity in mixed-grass prairies, but that moderate grazing would be sustainable in this area, while severe grazing would negatively affect range condition.
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: climactic variation, grazing pressure, litter and root decomposition, net primary production, net soil n mineralization, nitrogen loss, mixed grass prairie, soil carbon, soil nitrogen, species composition
Annotation: None
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