Regeneration of woody species following burning and grazing in Aspen Parkland
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Authors: A. W. Bailey, B. D. Irving, and R. D. Fitzgerald
Date: 1990
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 43
Number: 3
Pages: 212-215
Summary of Methods: Prescribed fire has been used as a tool to control aspen encroachment on pasturelands. However, aspen suckers can quickly regenerate following burning, and the plant community may return to an aspen grove if they are not controlled. Bailey et al. determined that short duration, high intensity cattle grazing could be used to control aspen suckers and maintain a grass plant community after burning. Early season (June) grazing took longer to control the aspen (6 years), but allowed for more rapid growth of seeded species in pastures. Late season (August) grazing controlled aspen very quickly, but slowed the establishment of seeded species in pastures. Over time, in both early and late season pastures, western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), a shrub that is unpalatable to cattle, became abundant and other methods for controlling this shrub will need to be determined.
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: prescribed fire, aspen forest, short duration grazing, seeding
Annotation: Grazing treatments removed all available edible material. A general stocking rate of 5 AUM per ha was used. In addition to the grazed paddocks, 3 control areas were established. The controls had been fenced and had not been grazed since the study was established in 1979.
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