In this study, Smith and Kadlec determined the effects of grazing and fire separately, and in combination, on a Utah freshwater salt marsh. Marsh standing crop increased or decreased in response to burning depending on vegetation type, however, previous research suggests that burning likely enhanced forage quality in all vegetation types. Grazing reduced standing crop and annual production in burned areas but did not affect vegetation in unburned areas. Burned areas were more impacted by grazing because herbivores preferred these sites and the authors suggest that this may have been because of the reduced litter cover or higher protein and water content of the available forage.
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.