The objective of this 8-year study was to evaluate the ecosystem-level impacts of no-grazing vs. sustained moderate and heavy cattle grazing, in terms of plant species basal cover, density, and composition, above-ground and below-ground net primary production, N content of above-ground and below-ground net primary production, N loss, and soil mineralization. Precipitation, not grazing, was the major factor driving species composition and net primary production during the study. Severe grazing reduced soil N mineralization, the biomass and N content of standing dead matter, and litter; while moderate and heavy grazing increased decomposition and reduced the biomass and N content of roots. The authors concluded that grazing does not enhance productivity in mixed-grass prairies, but that moderate grazing would be sustainable in this area, while severe grazing would negatively affect range condition.
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.