Kielland et al. examined the effect of winter browsing by moose (Alces alces) and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) on primary succession of willow (Salix sp.) and alder (Alnus tenuifolia) communities in interior Alaska. In contrast to earlier studies, which have concluded that herbivory decreases organic matter turnover and element cycling in late successional evergreen forest, the authors show that herbivory increases these factors in the early successional forest, in which most browsing occurs. The short-term respiration rate of leaf litter from browsed plants was significantly greater than that of unbrowsed plants, and almost 30% more mineralizable carbon was available in browsed than unbrowsed litter. The authors conclude that herbivory facilitates vegetation change and associated nutrient cycling in young forest (< 50 years) in a manner that contributes to conifer dominance and soil nutrient conservation in more mature forest stands (50-100 years or more).
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.