Kay et al. examined the effects that cattle have on the abundance of soil microarthropods in the desert grasslands of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. They found a significant difference in the abundance of Nanorchestidae mites between the grazed and ungrazed plots. The authors believe cattle trampling compacted the soil, causing a reduction of suitable habitat for the mites in the grazed areas. Kay et al. advised land managers to discontinue the past century's grazing regime of frequent disturbances, in this area, to provide an opportunity for this now shrub-invaded grassland community to recover.
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.