Composition, growth, and reproduction of Aster ericoides, Ruellia humilis, and Amorpha canescens were measured in pastures that were ungrazed or stocked lightly, moderately, or highly with cattle to determine the impacts of different grazing intensities on these subdominant forbs. Stem height and biomass of R. humilis and A. ericoides decreased as grazing intensity increased. Reproductive effort and height of A. canescens decreased with increasing grazing intensity but plant biomass was similar among all grazing intensities. Vegetation response varied among forb species but grazing generally had negative effects on the growth and reproduction of all three forbs, suggesting that these subdominant species would not increase and become dominant in tallgrass prairie pastures exposed to heavy grazing.
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.