In this study the effects of continuous and rotational cattle grazing on understory forage production, forage quality, animal performance and tree growth were determined in an established walnut plantation. Compared to continuously grazed pastures, rotationally grazed pastures produced more live grass and legumes which improved forage quality and late season animal performance under this grazing system. Grazing did not enhance or reduce the growth of tree diameters during this study, however, height growth tended to be greater than normal in grazed pastures, suggesting that grazing may benefit tree growth. The results of this study indicate that rotational cattle grazing may be a beneficial use of understory resources in established walnut plantations, however, the author cautions that these results may not be applicable to other plantations with trees at different growth stages or in different areas and suggests that more research is required before grazing management recommendations can be made.
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