The effects of grazing on vegetation and soils were examined in two different ecosystems, the sagebrush steppe in the northwestern United States and the Patagonia steppe located in southern Argentina, both sites were located near 45Ëš latitude. In both the U.S. sagebrush steppe and the Patagonia steppe, three study sites were selected for differences in regional precipitation gradients and regional grazing management. All sagebrush steppes were grazed by cattle for beef production while all Patagonian steppes were grazed by sheep for wool. Grazing responses relative to livestock distribution in dry environments were measured by sampling vegetation (cover and production of grasses and shrubs) and soils (physical and chemical characteristics). Grazing intensity, primary production, plant species composition and soil characteristics were measured in relation to distance-from-water gradients.
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