A field study conducted near Waynesville, North Carolina (35.50’ N, 83.00’ W) examined if rotationally grazing goats and cattle was effective in management of an overgrown mountain pasture. Sites contained multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and brambles (Rubus spp). Three grazing treatments were tested: cattle grazing alone, cattle grazing with goats and no grazing. Animal numbers and season varied in response to moisture. Herbaceous vegetation was grazed until stubble height was at 5 cm or less. Browsing was measured immediately before and after grazing by tagged plants in each treatment and canopy height, live canopy area, and percent of live canes per total canes. Species composition was determined by 100 x 10 cm permanent plots in each paddock. Percent cover was visually estimated before and after grazing periods.
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.