A grazing study initiated in 1983 on the Santa Rita Experimental Range in Arizona, provided an opportunity to evaluate cattle grazing patterns on Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) dominated rangeland. Regardless of the stocking rate, cattle grazing patterns created uneven utilization of Lehmann lovegrass, maintaining patchy areas of heavy use. Tillers were grazed in all months with use increasing during the summer growing season. Throughout both years, over 75% of the grazing events occurred in the previously grazed patches in all pastures. While only 18% of the grazed tillers were defoliated more than once, the majority of repeatedly grazed tillers occurred in grazed patches. On Lehmann lovegrass pastures in this study, stocking rates were apparently a minor influence on cattle grazing patterns until levels in excess of 90 cows per section yearlong were reached. The area of heavily grazed patches did increase as stocking rate increased. The authors conclude that contrary to popular belief, Lehmann lovegrass served as an important cattle forage throughout the summer growing season.
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