The growth and survival of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in pastures previously dominated by pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) trees that are utilized by rabbits, mule deer, and livestock were measured by Rosenstock and Stevens to determine if seeding alfalfa with native grasses can increase the value of these pastures for livestock and wildlife. Density and production of alfalfa plants varied by year, site, and herbivore access treatments. Density followed no specific pattern while production was related to precipitation levels and generally decreased as herbivore access increased at most sites. Growth form of alfalfa was also altered by herbivore access treatments. Plant height decreased and basal diameter increased as herbivore access increased, indicating that alfalfa became more prostrate in order to reduce grazing vulnerability in pastures with herbivore access. Therefore, the authors concluded that seeded alfalfa can be maintained and possibly increases the quality in pastures exposed to several different levels of livestock and wildlife grazing following the removal of overstory vegetation on pinyon-juniper woodlands.
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