The effects of two grazing systems, short duration (graze 7 days, rest 42 days) and high-intensity, low-frequency (graze 14 days, rest 84 days) grazing, on the vegetation of the Edward's Plateau in Texas were measured in this four year study. Annual net primary production was similar between the two grazing systems and generally followed trends in precipitation, however, species composition did vary by grazing system. Short duration grazing resulted in pastures dominated by shortgrass species while pastures grazed under the high-intensity, low-frequency grazing system were dominated by midgrasses. The results of this study suggest that the high-intensity, low-frequency grazing system is more suited to increase range condition in the Edward's Plateau than the short duration grazing system because the longer rest periods of this system favored the reproduction and expansion of midgrasses in this grassland.
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