Lewis et al. measured the effects of three rotational grazing systems on understory species composition and growth of longleaf pine (Pinus elliottii) trees in areas that were burned, planted, or allowed to naturally revegetate in order to produce timber. Prescribed burning in the natural stands increased occurrence of most herbs and stimulated new species to occur, but had little effect on woody plant composition. Both mechanical and burning disturbances initially reduced foliar ground cover of most woody species; however, few species were eliminated from the community. Most woody species were recovering within 6 years from treatment, but succession was somewhat slower on mechanically treated areas. Grazing altered understory species composition slightly in all timber management treatments but did not affect woody vegetation. Longleaf pine was able to naturally regenerate and planted pines were not damaged significantly by cattle under the three tested grazing systems. Therefore, the authors concluded that cattle grazing and timber production were compatible uses in longleaf pine stands under the timber management and rotational grazing treatments used in this study.
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