Estimated field data was used in the development of a model to test the prediction that herbivory can result in grazing optimization. The 35 years of field data was collected on the savanna of Lamto, located 200 km north of Abidjan, Ivory Coast (5° 02’ W, 6° 13’ N). Multiple previous studies were utilized as comparison sources for references and data acquisition for developing the model. The model includes a nitrogen cycle diagram divided into two separate categories with a total of seven compartments. The parameters of the model cover a wide range of nitrogen inputs and losses (atmospheric, mineral, organic etc…) and plant decomposition rates along with herbivory consumption. Using these parameters, multiple compartmental flux equations were developed explaining the correlation and simple function between nitrogen losses and plant-herbivore interactions.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.