Weitkamp et al. measured the effects of short-duration cattle grazing on plant community diversity and soil structure in the Texas rolling plains. Short-duration grazing altered the species composition of pastures. Individual species increased or decreased depending on their tolerance for the type and interval of disturbance produced by short-duration grazing events. Overall, grazing altered the plant growth environment; grazed pastures had greater soil strength and lower vegetative cover than ungrazed pastures. This study suggests that short-duration grazing can affect plant community composition in the Texas rolling plains, however, more research is required to determine the long-term effects of this grazing system on plant communities in this area.
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.