The effect of grazing intensity on plant composition, vigor, and growth of pine-bunchgrass ranges in central Colorado

Abstract

What happens to individual forage plants when subjected to different degrees of grazing by cattle? In what way does grazing change growth habits and composition of the herbaceous vegetation? Answers to these basic questions will help the range operator to properly evaluate his range management practices. Six experimental pastures on native ponderosa pine-bunchgrass range at the Manitou Experimental Forest near Woodland Park, Colorado, furnished an excellent opportunity to study changes in native vegetation is relation to past grazing use. These units had been grazed at 3 intensities for 9 years. In each unit, exclosures, which had not been grazed for 10 years, were available.

Citation

Johnson, W. M. 1956. The effect of grazing intensity on plant composition, vigor, and growth of pine-bunchgrass ranges in central Colorado. Ecology. 37(4): 790-798.