The effects of grazing on seed bank composition were measured on nine farms in the northeastern United States. Seedbanks in grazed pastures had lower seed species diversity, a lower percentage of annual forb seeds, and a higher percentage of legume seeds than ungrazed pastures. Seedbanks in all pastures were dominated by bluegrass (Poa pratensis), white clover (Trifolium repens) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) seeds and had few other perennial grass seeds or seeds of preferred forages. Overall, this study suggests that seedbanks in these northeast pastures support abundant white clover and bluegrass seed, both of which are important forages for cattle. Soil seed banks, however, will not supply a diverse assemblage of useful forages. The authors note that if a manager seeks to establish diverse, mixed-species pasture, then re-seeding pastures with desired mixes may be the best option.
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.