Tallgrass prairie response to grazing system and stocking rate
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Authors: R. L. Gillen, F. T. McCollum, K. W. Tate, and M. E. Hodges
Date: 1998
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 51
Number: 2
Pages: 139-146
Summary of Methods: Gillen et al. measured relative composition and standing crop in plots grazed continuously or in a rotational grazing system, at varying stocking rates in north-central Oklahoma. Vegetation response to grazing system was minimal, and differences between systems were diminished after 5 years. Shortgrass was effected by grazing system (increasing in continuos except under severe stocking rates), but was a minor component in species composition, and its standing crop also became similar between systems over time. Standing crop of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) remained higher in rotational pastures even after 5 years, while big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) whose total standing crop was higher in rotational the first year, were similar in both systems after 5 years. Favorable growing conditions and the high seral state of the vegetation in the experimental pastures may have tempered the response to grazing treatment.
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: continuous grazing, rotation grazing, species composition, plant succession, little bluestem, schizachyrium scoparium, big bluestem, andropogon gerardii, indiangrass, sorghastrum nutans
Annotation: Stocking rates ranging from 51.5 Animal-Unit-Day / ha to 89.8 AUD/ha represent moderate to severe intensity for the area.
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