This study was designed to evaluate vegetation standing crop biomass and species composition at varying distances from water on 2 upland sandy ranges in different ecological conditions, in the Chihuahuan desert of southcentral New Mexico. One range had been conservatively stocked since the 1950's, while the other was more heavily stocked. During 3 years of study, both ranges were stocked conservatively, resulting in 30-35%annual utilization of the key forage grasses. Regression analyses showed black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda), mesa dropseed (Sporobolus flexuosus), threeawn (Aristida sp.), and total perennial grass standing crop increased as distance from water increased on the good condition range. Black grama and threeawn standing crop showed no association with distance from water on the fair condition range. No livestock losses from poisonous plants were noted on either range over the 3 years. This is attributed to the present conservative stocking rates. This study supports the recommendation that downward stocking rate adjustments be made for the zone more than 1,600 m from water.
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