Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Tallgrass prairie response to grazing system and stocking rate
Author
Gillen, R. L., F. T. McCollum, K. W. Tate, M. E. Hodges
Publication Year
1969
Body

Gillen et al. measured relative composition and standing crop in plots grazed continuously or in a rotational grazing system, at varying stocking rates in north-central Oklahoma. Vegetation response to grazing system was minimal, and differences between systems were diminished after 5 years. Shortgrass was effected by grazing system (increasing in continuos except under severe stocking rates), but was a minor component in species composition, and its standing crop also became similar between systems over time. Standing crop of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) remained higher in rotational pastures even after 5 years, while big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) whose total standing crop was higher in rotational the first year, were similar in both systems after 5 years. Favorable growing conditions and the high seral state of the vegetation in the experimental pastures may have tempered the response to grazing treatment.

Language
en
Keywords
continuous grazing
plant succession
Schizachyrium scoparium
Andropogon gerardii
Sorghastrum nutans
big bluestem
Indiangrass
little bluestem
Rotation Grazing
species composition
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