History of grazing research in the Aspen Parkland
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Authors: D. H. McCartney
Date: 1993
Journal: Canadian Journal of Animal Science
Volume: 73
Number:
Pages: 749-763
Summary of Methods: The Aspen Parkland of western Canada constitutes a major portion of the agricultural areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, with 86% of the forage production and 66% of the beef cattle herd. Most of the Aspen Parkland has been cleared of aspen (Populus tremuloides) for farming. Introduced pasture species have been seeded, and bromegrass (Bromus inermis) and alfalfa (Medicago spp.) have been found to be the most productive. The addition of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer has been shown to nearly triple forage production in the presence of adequate moisture and favorable temperatures. The severity and timing of grazing have a marked effect on pasture productivity. The invasion of productive grasslands by aspen is one of the major problems for managers of pastures in the Aspen Parkland. Annual herbage yield under aspen and associated shrub species can be reduced to as little as 10% of the yield of adjacent grasslands. Bush pastures can be renovated by using selective herbicides, fire, and controlled grazing to manage woody brush regrowth or by sod seeding of alfalfa in the depleted stands. Also, a combination of spring-seeded winter cereals and spring cereals in an intercrop system can be grazed throughout the growing season.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: aspen parkland, pasture, forage, research, review
Annotation: None
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