Carbon exchange rates in grazed and ungrazed pastures of Wyoming
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Authors: D. R. LeCain, J. A. Morgan, G. E. Schuman, J. D. Reeder, and R. H. Hart
Date: 2000
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 53
Number: 2
Pages: 199-206
Summary of Methods: In this study, LeCain et al. measured the effects of light and heavy grazing on carbon exchange, soil respiration and vegetation characteristics, in the Wyoming mixed-grass prairie. Seasonal averages did not vary for any of the measured parameters, however, there were differences when comparisons were made for measurements within the season. In general, carbon exchange rates and green vegetation indices tended to be greater early in the season and lower later in the season in both grazed pastures when compared to the ungrazed pasture. However, since average seasonal differences were limited, the results indicate that grazing at both light and heavy stocking rates does not significantly alter carbon dynamics in the Wyoming mixed-grass prairie, but the authors suggest that incorporating soil carbon measurements with the data from this study would further increase the understanding of carbon exchange in this ecosystem.
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: grazing intensity, productivity, photosynthesis, soil respiration, species composition, seasonal fluctuations, soil carbon
Annotation: Light stocking rate was 21.6 steer-days/ha and resulted in 10% utilization of the annual production.,Heavy stocking rate was 62.7 steer-days/ha and resulted in 50% utilization of the annual production.,There was an ungrazed exclosure.
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