Ganskopp et al. measured the effects of spring cattle grazing on utilization, trampling, and growth of bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) in pastures with light or heavy stocking rates in southeast Oregon. In general, grazing stimulated bitterbrush growth. Grazed plants had greater diameters, heights, and twig lengths than ungrazed plants, however, this response was more pronounced and consistent in the lightly grazed pastures than the heavily grazed pastures. In the heavily stocked pastures, bitterbrush plants were browsed 2-3 days sooner and the number of plants and the utilization on those plants was greater than in the lightly stocked pastures. The authors recommend light spring cattle grazing to stimulate bitterbrush growth because of the consistent positive response of bitterbrush plants at this stocking level.
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