The Aspen Parkland of western Canada constitutes a major portion of the agricultural areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, with 86% of the forage production and 66% of the beef cattle herd. Most of the Aspen Parkland has been cleared of aspen (Populus tremuloides) for farming. Introduced pasture species have been seeded, and bromegrass (Bromus inermis) and alfalfa (Medicago spp.) have been found to be the most productive. The addition of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer has been shown to nearly triple forage production in the presence of adequate moisture and favorable temperatures. The severity and timing of grazing have a marked effect on pasture productivity. The invasion of productive grasslands by aspen is one of the major problems for managers of pastures in the Aspen Parkland. Annual herbage yield under aspen and associated shrub species can be reduced to as little as 10% of the yield of adjacent grasslands. Bush pastures can be renovated by using selective herbicides, fire, and controlled grazing to manage woody brush regrowth or by sod seeding of alfalfa in the depleted stands. Also, a combination of spring-seeded winter cereals and spring cereals in an intercrop system can be grazed throughout the growing season.
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.