Marlow and Pogacnik studied the concentration areas of cattle on upland and riparian areas within 8 pastures, over a 2 year period in Montana. Through June and July, cattle use was concentrated in the uplands and then shifted to the riparian zones for August and September. Resting patterns differed only during the early part of the grazing season, when cattle spent more of their time resting in upland areas. During late July, August, and September, there was no significant difference in time spent resting in either zone. Marlow and Pogacnik suggest that, due to heavy use in riparian areas during late summer, stocking rates should be based on the amount of riparian forage available rather than the entire pasture, which includes the uplands.
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.