Gillen et al. examined the impact of 3 short-duration grazing treatments (2, 3, and 4-grazing cycles, ranging from 3 to 9 days) and 2 stocking rates on Oklahoma tallgrass prairie over 2 years. Grass height was reduced by an average of 55% per grazing period under all treatments, except heavier stocking under the 2-cycle treatment which had the longest grazing period. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) was preferred under all treatments, and was defoliated to a greater degree as grazing periods lengthened. On average, the percent of big bluestem and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) tillers defoliated per grazing period decreased as grazing cycles increased and grazing periods shortened.
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.