Owens and Norton measured the survival of basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. tridentata) in seeded pastures, that were continuously grazed or grazed in a short-duration system, to determine the effects of these grazing management strategies on shrub encroachment. After one year of grazing, survival of juvenile big sagebrush plants was greater in the short duration grazing system and mortality of small sagebrush plants was greater in the season-long pastures. Within the ten short duration grazing pastures, sagebrush survival was greater in intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) dominated pastures than in crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) dominated pastures, due to the reduced competition of the rhizomatous form of intermediate wheatgrass compared to the bunches of crested wheatgrass. Short duration grazing promoted shrub encroachment more than season-long grazing and the reduced mortality of small sagebrush plants. The increased survival rates of all sagebrush plants in short duration pastures indicate that shrub management actions should be taken to avoid the invasion of sagebrush plants in this pasture community.
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