Hofmann and Ries compared season-of-grazing use of pastures comprised of introduced and cool-season species with pastures comprised of a mix of native warm- and cool-season species with pastures comprised of a mix of native warm- and cool-season species. The study was conducted on surface-mined land in North Dakota, dominated by smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and one adjacent unmined mixed prairie. Herbage dry matter yield from reclaimed pastures was equal to or greater than yield from native pastures each year. The season-of-grazing use was no different for reclaimed cool-season pastures than for native mixed prairie, and there was no evidence that species with the same growing season as those native to the area were necessary to provide season-long grazing use. These results indicate that cool-season species, which are easier and less expensive to plant and maintain, can be used to revegetated mined lands without decreasing livestock production potential.
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.