Many recent studies have attempted to support the hypothesis that grazing can have positive effects on plant growth and fitness. However, recent work has shown that many of these studies suffer from poor experimental design, and consequently that the hypothesis may only be tenable under very particular circumstances. Verkaar agrees with Belsky's (1986) conclusion that although herbivores may benefit certain plants by reducing competition or removing senescent tissue, there is still no convincing evidence to support the hypothesis that herbivory generally benefits plants.
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.