Coughenour examined dormant season elk (Cervus elaphus) impacts on shoot and root standing crop and nitrogen concentration in and outside of 35 year old exclosures in Yellowstone National Park's northern winter range. Grazing did not have any affect on root biomass in either of the two years measured, suggesting perennial grass fitness under conditions of use and rest. Grazing increased shoot nitrogen concentrations in grasses and in sagebrush (Artemisia frigida), which should improve elk nutrition as long as shoot production is not heavily reduced. The net effects of winter grazing appeared to be a redirection of biomass flow from decomposers into elk, accompanied by an enhanced rate of N recycling back to elk. The fact that perennial root biomass persisted best indicates the net consequences of winter grazing for these plants.
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