A four year study evaluated pairing goat grazing and herbicide control (picloram plus 2,4-D) as a better long term control leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) infestations than either treatment alone. Six treatment combinations (untreated control, goat grazing only, fall herbicide only, spring herbicide only, goat grazing following spring herbicide, and goat grazing prior to fall herbicide application) were tested on two locations in eastern North Dakota. Goats grazing varied between sites with rotational grazing at one site and season long grazing at the other site. Density of leafy spurge was measure in the spring before grazing and in the fall following grazing but prior to fall herbicide application. Leafy spurge stems were counted annually in four permanently located 0.25 m² quadrats per treatment plot. Roots were collected and analyzed for protein and carbohydrate levels.
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.