In this study, Kingery and Graham measured the effects of cattle grazing, wildlife browsing, and rodent use on damage and mortality of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seedlings, to determine the suitability of grazing to utilize understory vegetation in conifer plantations. Cattle grazing had limited impacts on ponderosa pine seedlings (3.6% mortality) when compared to wildlife (8% mortality). Most mortality from cattle and wildlife was caused by trampling as compared to browsing. Root damage by pocket gophers caused the most animal induced seedling mortality (9-10%). Overall, the greatest mortality (12.3 - 19.4%) was not animal related and had to do with the condition of planted seedlings prior to animal influences. The authors concluded that cattle and wildlife grazing did not significantly impact tree seedling survival and that grazing should be recommended, especially later in the season when risk of trampling damage is lower, to make use of the valuable forage resources on conifer plantations.
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.