Cattle use affects forage quality in a montane riparian ecosystem
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Authors: R. L. Phillips, M. J. Trlica, W. C. Leininger, and W. P. Clary
Date: 1999
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 52
Number: 3
Pages: 283-289
Summary of Methods: The effects of short-term, high intensity cattle grazing treatments (late-spring, early-summer, late-summer, fall) and a control (no grazing) in a montane riparian ecosystem along Sheep Creek in the Roosevelt National Forest, Fort Collins, Colorado were studied for one year. Analysis of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and in-vitro dry- matter digestibility (IVDMD) of 2 important riparian species, water sedge (Carex aquatilis) and planeleaf willow (Salix planifolia) were investigated. The current year's growth of 2 riparian species was collected monthly from May to September.
Article Summary / Main Points: Forage quality in either species was not influenced by the season of grazing from the previous year. Nitrogen, P, and IVDMD all declined as the season progressed. Water sedge and planeleaf willow responded differently to grazing, however both plant species had higher N, P, and IVDMD when they were grazed the previous year than those that had not been grazed. Cattle grazing influenced water sedge and planeleaf willow exclusively, this suggested that these 2 life forms differ in response to herbivory.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 48A Southern Rocky Mountains 48B Southern Rocky Mountain Parks
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: water sedge, carex aquatilis, planeleaf willow, salix planifolia, nitrogen, phosphorous, in-vitro dry-matter digestibility
Annotation: This was a replicated study over one year and is applicable to riparian areas which are affected by previous year cattle use. The results indicate how seasonal grazing, effects forage quality the following growing season. The results suggest that even though grazing by cattle would improve forage quality in a riparian ecosystem, additional studies at spatial and temporal scales in other riparian areas is recommended.
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