The effect of cattle grazing on ponderosa pine regeneration
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Authors: J. L. Kingery, and R. T. Graham
Date: 1991
Journal: The Forestry Chronicle
Volume: 67
Number: 3
Pages: 245-248
Summary of Methods: In this study, Kingery and Graham measured the effects of cattle grazing, wildlife browsing, and rodent use on damage and mortality of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seedlings, to determine the suitability of grazing to utilize understory vegetation in conifer plantations. Cattle grazing had limited impacts on ponderosa pine seedlings (3.6% mortality) when compared to wildlife (8% mortality). Most mortality from cattle and wildlife was caused by trampling as compared to browsing. Root damage by pocket gophers caused the most animal induced seedling mortality (9-10%). Overall, the greatest mortality (12.3 - 19.4%) was not animal related and had to do with the condition of planted seedlings prior to animal influences. The authors concluded that cattle and wildlife grazing did not significantly impact tree seedling survival and that grazing should be recommended, especially later in the season when risk of trampling damage is lower, to make use of the valuable forage resources on conifer plantations.
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: ponderosa pine, pinus ponderosa, seedling survival, trampling, wildlife browsing, forest management, conifer seedling growth
Annotation: Within the study area, 3 replications were chosen for construction of deer, elk, and cattle exclosure, each .4 ha in size. A similar site was chosen outside each exclosure to represent a grazed treatment. Forage utilization ranged from 46-53% during the course of the study.
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