Rossow et al. measured the effects that winter browsing by moose (Alces alces) and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) had on mycorrhizal infection and fine root biomass of willow (Salix spp.) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera). It was reported that protection from winter browsing increased ectomycorrhizal infection by 10 percent in the top 5 centimeters of the soil profile, by 23 percent at 5-10 centimeters, and by 42 percent in the 10-15 centimeter depth. The authors suggest that browsing induced reduction in ectomycorrhizal infection of salicaceous species plays a central role in the shift from palatable deciduous species such as willow to species such as alder and spruce.
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.