Grazing history affects willow communities in a montane riparian ecosystem
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Authors: K. A. Holland, W. C. Leininger, and M. J. Trlica
Date: 2005
Journal: Rangeland Ecology & Management
Volume: 58
Number: 2
Pages: 148-154
Summary of Methods: The effects of grazing intensity on a montane willow community in the Sheep Creek riparian ecosystem located in Roosevelt National Forest (40˚ 56.46’ N, 105˚ 39.55’ W) of Colorado was investigated. Twelve grazed and ungrazed areas were compared and the impacts of grazing intensities were examined over an 11-year period (1988 to 1999). In 4 grazing treatments: long-term grazing (early 1900s), long-term grazing exclusion (exclosures built in the 1950s), recent grazing (exclosures opened in 1988), and recent grazing exclusion (exclosures built in 1988) willow (Salix spp.) population characteristics such as canopy cover, species diversity, height, and stem density in a riparian ecosystem were recorded. Grazing was season long from June until September.
Article Summary / Main Points: All grazing treatments resulted in increased willow canopy cover and average willow stem height, while species diversity was greater under long-term grazing. From 1988 to 1997 willow stem height in the long-term exclosure was 1.5 times greater than under long-term grazing. Willow stem density was greater in the recent exclosure than either the long-term exclosure or under recent grazing management. During the 11 years of study, increases in canopy cover, height growth, and stem density in the recent grazing exclusion treatment, indicates that these variables respond positively to removal of livestock grazing. However, closed canopies, lower willow species diversity, reduced new stem height growth, and stem recruitment may occur with continued long-term exclusion. Light to moderate livestock grazing would be beneficial to the riparian ecosystems when serving human and wildlife needs.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 48A Southern Rocky Mountains 67B Central High Plains, Southern Part
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Watersheds
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: salix, willow height, cattle grazing, grazing exclusion, riparian areas, population dynamics
Annotation: The results from this study are applicable across many riparian ecosystems. Using these findings resource managers can improve grazing plans for optimal use of willows and plan accordingly for multiple uses and improve the functional condition of riparian areas. Information about different grazing treatments on willow (Salix spp.) growth helps resource managers to determine appropriate livestock utilization levels in similar riparian areas and develop management plans for these important ecosystems.
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