Grazing effects on grassland ecosystems

Abstract

In this study, we used a modified version of a meta-analysis (compilation and analysis of the literature in which an individual area is subjected to the disturbance and its response is noted) to analyze grazing effects on grassland ecosystems. Prior efforts have focused on one aspect of ecosystem behavior such as productivity or species diversity. In this analysis, we examined several components of ecosystem function that are seldom explored including measures of nutrient cycling and soil compaction. In general, cattle grazing appears to decrease production measures, increase soil compaction, and have mixed impacts on nutrient cycling rates. In studies that examined nutrients, cattle grazing tended to increase amounts of available phosphorus and nitrogen while decreasing the amounts of other nutrients. We located several studies of sheep grazing and found that their impacts are not much different from those of cattle.

Parent Publication

• Ecosystem disturbance and wildlife conservation in western grasslands - A symposium proceedings

Citation

Wallace, Linda L.; Dyer, Mel I. 1996. Grazing effects on grassland ecosystems. In: Finch, Deborah M., Editor. Ecosystem disturbance and wildlife conservation in western grasslands - A symposium proceedings. September 22-26, 1994; Albuquerque, NM. General Technical Report RM-GTR-285. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 13-19.