Karl and Doescher monitored the effects of cattle grazing on root growth to determine if the mini-rhizotron technique was suitable for grazed rangelands. Despite stocking densities of about 2.7-4.4 AU/ha and 19 days of grazing during 1988, trampling and breakage of mini-rhizotrons on the cattle-grazed area was minimal. Defoliation by cattle had a negative impact on the relative number of roots for grazed orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) in June and July. The authors offer suggestions for using the mini-rhizotron technique to monitor root growth on grazed rangelands and minimize damage to equipment. This technique could be used for successful monitoring on grazed rangelands.
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