In this study, the effects of redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) on species composition and biomass production of the herbaceous layer were evaluated for 3 years on an ungrazed site and a site with past cattle grazing in western Texas. The understory species composition differed between sites, the cover of forbs and bare ground was generally greater at previously grazed sites. Juniper cover was not related to herbaceous cover but was inversely related to herbaceous production and this relationship was more significant at previously grazed sites. Based on these results the authors concluded that previous grazing effects plant community composition in this semiarid region and that the effects of grazing persist for at least 5 years after grazing pressure is removed.
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