Productivity of long-term grazing treatments in response to seasonal precipitation
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Authors: D. G. Milchunas, J. R. Forwood, and W. K. Lauenroth
Date: 1994
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 47
Number: 2
Pages: 133-139
Summary of Methods: Milchunas et al. determined the relationship of forage production to long term grazing intensity and precipitation in a Colorado shortgrass steppe. Precipitation had greater effects on forage production than grazing intensity, and cool-season precipitation was directly related to forage production. Based upon a regression model constructed using data from 1939 to 1962, forage production was not affected by grazing to 20-35% removal. On average, increased grazing intensity decreased forage production, however, the effects of grazing intensity were dependent upon precipitation levels, generally being more obvious in dry years and more subtle in wet years. The authors concluded that the present grassland species in the semiarid shortgrass steppe of Colorado have adapted to low precipitation levels and grazing pressure by increasing water use efficiency and grazing resistance.
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: abiotic versus biotic controls, forage production, grazing intensities, rain-use efficiency, semiarid grassland, shortgrass steppe
Annotation: 4 replicate pastures each of light, moderate, and heavy stocking rates (each approx. 130 ha), and ungrazed controls, were established in 1939 on areas that were not previously overgrazed. Grazing occurred during the growing season (June-November) with stocking rates for a particular year depending on the number of animals necessary to remove approximately 20, 40, and 60% of forage production. Forage production was estimated by harvesting end-of-season standing crop of live-plus-recent dead forage with temporary movables cages. Caged plots were clipped immediately above crown level in each pasture replicate.
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