Based on their previous experience and research results, Taylor et al. present the following conclusions relative to vegetation and soil response to intensive grazing systems: 1) rest, rather than intensive livestock activity, appears to be the key to soil hydrologic stability; 2) expectations of rapidly improving deteriorated rangeland using short duration grazing is a false-positive perception; 3) short duration grazing systems stocked at higher than moderate stocking rates significantly reduces the midgrass component of the vegetative complex; 4) the protection of soil structure from direct raindrop impact is the primary function of cover on infiltration. Midgrasses allow significantly greater amounts of water infiltration and significantly less amounts of soil erosion than short grasses; 5) there is no evidence of any hydrologic benefit from livestock trampling or hoof action; and 6) infiltration rates are mostly reduced immediately after trampling. Taylor et al. note that is must be remembered that the inherent low potential productivity of Edwards Plateau rangeland severely limits the alternatives available to ranchers to enhance productivity or correct management mistakes.
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