In specific circumstances, grazing has been shown to accelerate recovery of poor condition rangelands [1]. Although introduced species have been shown to be favored by livestock, native species can provide adequate protein and palatability for a variety of grazing animals [2]. The presence of livestock might actually enhance seedling emergence, through seed burial and the facilitation of microclimates that accompany trampling and nutrient deposition, but this approach appears to be most effective in moderate to dry years and is location specific [3].
Resources
- Rangelands Gateway
- Should Ranchers Value Sagebrush? Why We Need Sagebrush
- NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring
- Grazing management for healthy soils
- Range Plants of Utah | USU Extension
- Rangeland resources of Utah
- Utah Grazing Improvement Program | UDAF
- Forest Grazing: Managing your Land for Trees, Forage, and Livestock | USU Forestry Extension
- Native grass project on Utah mesa serves as model for Navajo Nation
References
[1] Martin SC, Severson KE. Vegetation Response to the Santa Rita Grazing System. Journal of Range Management. 1988;41(4):291. doi:10.2307/3899381
[2] Cook C, Stoddart L, Harris L. Bulletin No. 385 - Comparitive Nutritive Value and Palatability of Some Introduced and Native Forage Plants for Spring and Summer Grazing. UAES Bulletins. 1956 Jun 1. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/uaes_bulletins/347
[3] Winkel VK, Roundy BA. Effects of cattle trampling and mechanical seedbed preparation on grass seedling emergence. 44. 1991 Mar 1 [accessed 2022 Dec 14]. https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/644859. doi:10.2307/4002318