Prescription grazing to enhance rangeland watersheds
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Authors: E. W. Anderson
Date: 1993
Journal: Rangelands
Volume: 15
Number: 1
Pages: 31-35
Summary of Methods: This article examined rangeland watershed dynamics as affected by resource management. Results of a study from Idaho were highlighted throughout this paper.
Article Summary / Main Points: The key to a grazing system that will enhance watershed dynamics is encompassed in the basic ingredients of watershed management. Recommendations for a prescibed grazing plan include the following: 1) Preconditioning where appropriate, to improve quality of mature forage and benefit plant vigor, 2) Use grazing practices that result in even grazing distribution to achieve uniform vegetation cover across the watershed, 3) To build and retain an adequate cover of fibrous-rooted herbaceous species, residues, and soil organic matter maintain moderate levels of utilization, 4) Use rotation grazing (deferred grazing and/or rest) to build root systems and plant vigor to optimize vegetation cover, production, and reproduction. No-grazing option is also discussed, but not recommended for long term management, as plants can become decadent or stagnant.
Vegetation Types: All Vegetation Types
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Professional Resource Knowledge
Keywords: prescription grazing, watershed management, vegetation management, erosion
Annotation: This article lays out simple straight forward steps to follow when planning a grazing system of enhance an entire watershed.
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