The authors quantified water holding capacity of litter and organic matter in three different ecosystems, subjected to different grazing treatments. The water holding capacity differed between ecosystems, being higher in fescue grasslands than mixed prairie. Larger particle sizes of both litter and organic matter had higher water holding capacity. Grazing affected water holding capacity in several ways. Heavier intensity and early season grazing decreased water holding capacity of large particle organic matter; although water holding capacity of smaller particles was not affected by grazing. Authors concluded that litter and organic matter water holding capacity were important in rangeland hydrologic assessments.
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.