Stocking rate effects on intensive-early stocked Flint Hills bluestem range
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Authors: C. E. Owensby, R. Cochran, and E. F. Smith
Date: 1988
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 41
Number: 6
Pages: 483-487
Summary of Methods: Owensby et al. examined the effects of increasing the stocking rate on intensive-early stocked pastures, in the Flint Hills of Kansas, by applying stocking rates that were 2, 2.5, and 3 times the recommended season-long stocking rates. Grass standing crop decreased with increasing stocking rate in July, however, this difference was not apparent in October standing crops, indicating that all tested stocking rates were sustainable. Percent of composition and basal cover of the major dominants changed little during the study period. Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) appeared to be adversely affected, particularly at the higher stocking rates. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) was favored by the 3X rate. Botanical composition of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) increased under the 2X rate but did not change under the higher rates. Stocking rate did not affect individual steer gains overall. Because of the higher stocking rates, gain per hectare was significantly increased. Livestock type apparently had a significant impact on steer gains.
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: big bluestem, andropogon gerardii, little bluestem, andropogon scoparius, grazing system, stocking rate, livestock gain, species composition
Annotation: Each year from 1982 through 1987 on May 1, six 24.3-ha pastures were stocked with yearling steers at stocking rates of 0.47, 0.57, and 0.70 ha per steer (3X, 2.5X, and 2X, respectively) were applied in duplicate on the 6 study pastures which were burned in late April each year. The recommended season-long stocking rate for steers of that size is 1.41 ha for the 5-month grazing season which begins in late April to early May. Each year grass and forb standing crop was estimated at livestock removal in mid July and again in October by clipping 10, 0.4-m2 plots to ground level.
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