Cattle trampling of crested wheatgrass under short-duration grazing
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Authors: D. F. Balph, and J. C. Malechek
Date: 1985
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 38
Number: 3
Pages: 226-227
Summary of Methods: Bunchgrasses growth form may cause trampling avoidance by cattle because elevated tussocks present an uneven surface to step on. This hypothesis was tested by counting cattle hoof prints in a predominantly crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) pasture in Utah. Cattle clearly avoided trampling elevated tussocks, independent of stocking rate, and disproportionately less on the more elevated ones. Most trampling occurs in the interspaces between plant. Therefore, nutrient cycling effects of trampling litter and standing dead vegetation, that protects wheatgrass from grazing, are minimal.
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: crested wheatgrass, agropyron cristatum, stocking rate, avoidance, bunchgrass
Annotation: Grazing at 0.7 ha AUM-1 In a 10 paddocks, 3 days each, rotation system. This was determined as a moderate stocking rate.
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