Forage

Abstract

The extensive forests and isolated clones of quaking aspen in the western United States have been valued for many years as wildlife habitat and livestock summer range (Sampson 1919). The actual amount of forage produced beneath the aspen trees differs appreciably among sites. Houston (1954) indicated that although many sites produce 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per acre (1,120 to 2,240 kg per ha), some produce more than 4,000 pounds per acre (4,480 kg per ha), and others less than 500 pounds per acre (560 kg per ha). Such variability is caused by environmental differences, levels of livestock grazing, and the successional status of the community.

Parent Publication

• Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States

Citation

Mueggler, W. F. 1985. Forage. In: DeByle, Norbert V.; Winokur, Robert P., editors. Aspen: Ecology and management in the western United States. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-119. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colo. p. 129-134