Schulz and Guthery examined how short duration grazing (SDG) and continuous grazing (CG) influenced seasonal densities of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) and ground cover structure. Bobwhite densities averaged 2.3 times greater in all eight seasons of the study under the SDG treatment compared to the CG treatment. Schulz and Guthery suggest that the higher densities under SDG is due to enhanced herbaceous cover, especially within 30 cm of the ground, as well as the trails and soil disturbance created by high cattle (Bos taurus) stocking densities. Bare ground and less litter is better for bobwhite movement and seed collecting. Compared with CG, SDG reduced standing crop biomass of vegetation. This is attributed to increased trampling and vegetation consumption since livestock are concentrated in small pastures under SDG. Bobwhites chose areas with more vegetation biomass than that found in SDG treatments and less than that found in CG treatments.
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.