Milchunas et al. determined the relationship of forage production to long term grazing intensity and precipitation in a Colorado shortgrass steppe. Precipitation had greater effects on forage production than grazing intensity, and cool-season precipitation was directly related to forage production. Based upon a regression model constructed using data from 1939 to 1962, forage production was not affected by grazing to 20-35% removal. On average, increased grazing intensity decreased forage production, however, the effects of grazing intensity were dependent upon precipitation levels, generally being more obvious in dry years and more subtle in wet years. The authors concluded that the present grassland species in the semiarid shortgrass steppe of Colorado have adapted to low precipitation levels and grazing pressure by increasing water use efficiency and grazing resistance.
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