Zacheis et al. measured the impacts of goose (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) herbivory in plots that were exposed to herbivory for 0, 3 or 6 hours, with or without feces deposited during that time. Plant species at the study site appeared to be tolerant of herbivory. Grazing did not have any residual effects on plant biomass, but enhanced Carex ramenskii tiller production and Triglochin maritimum inflorescence production two growing season after herbivory was applied. Fecal deposition did not enhance plant biomass or nitrogen concentrations, but did increase the carbon mineralization potential of the soil. Grazing intensities resulting from the 3 and 6 hour herbivory treatments were similar, however, the grazing intensity and fecal deposition applied during these treatments were much greater than naturally occurring levels, suggesting that future increases in utilization will not negatively affect this site.
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