Early season utilization of mountain meadow riparian pastures
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Authors: W. P. Clary, and G. D. Booth
Date: 1993
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 46
Number: 6
Pages: 493-497
Summary of Methods: A grazing study was conducted on Stanley Creek in the Sawtooth National Forest in central Idaho. Cow/calf pairs grazed the riparian area in late June for 6 years under two stocking rates (light -26% utilization, and moderate- 45% utilization), with stocking density adjusted so both pastures were grazed for approximately the same amount of time (14 days). Sampling was conducted within each pasture, with a second, smaller sampling area devoted to streamside monitoring.
Article Summary / Main Points: Medium stocking rate showed a significant difference between streamside and meadow utilization, averaging 37% and 50%, respectively with no preference for streamside vegetation. The higher the surface soil moisture content, the lower the utilization of graminoid species. Foliage moisture was higher in forbs versus graminoids, but there was no difference in moisture between life forms at the different sites.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 43B Central Rocky Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Grazing systems
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: percent utilization, stubble heights, plant moisture, soil moisture
Annotation: Mountain meadows have potential to be grazed while maintaining riparian areas. Cattle appear to not be attracted to riparian vegetation early in the growing season. Matching season of use to local soil moisture conditions and plant phase can influence cattle preference. Moderate stocking rates under these conditions increased utilization of mountain areas, with careful monitoring of meadow utilization is necessary to prevent over grazing.
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