West and Yorks measured vegetative composition and cover in grazed and ungrazed pastures for several years, following wildfire in Utah. Grazing increased shrub cover and decreased grass cover, resulting in a decrease in total average cover compared to ungrazed pastures. Grazing pressure delayed the recovery of perennial grass species, following fire, as well as the subsequent increase in shrub species. The results of this study suggest that burning can significantly affect the vegetative composition of shrub steppe pastures in Utah, and that grazing following fire may increase the time required for those pastures to recover from burning.
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.