In certain circumstances, grazing can be an effective strategy for targeting nontoxic weeds that can be extremely cost effective ^[1], particularly if low-cost fencing is available. In addition to targeting weeds when they are vulnerable to grazing, careful grazing in mesic locations can also enhance soil aeration, nutrient recycling and enhance seed establishment by creating more microsite heterogeneity across a landscape. The type of animals used, the number of animals used, the duration of grazing, and the site location can affect the cover and identity of invasive species ^[2]. In appropriate locations, grazing may be a long-term weed suppression strategy ^[3], but it requires adequate infrastructure such as water, fencing, and access.

Resources

• Rangelands | USU
• Ecological Restoration | Rangelands Gateway
• Rangeland Management Strategies
• A Summary of Livestock Grazing Systems Used on Rangelands in the Western United States and Canada
• Calculating Available Forage
• Determining Your Stocking Rate
• How many animals can I graze on my pasture?
• Determining Carrying Capacity and Stocking Rates for Range and Pasture in North Dakota
• Grazing management options for riparian areas | OSU Extension Service
• Training Livestock to Leave Streams and Use Uplands
• Combining active restoration and targeted grazing to establish native plants and reduce fuel loads in invaded ecosystems
• A Well Designed Goat Grazing Plan Can Reduce Noxious Weeds
• Cattle grazing for invasive Phragmites australis (common reed) management in Northern Utah wetlands
• Reducing Medusahead and Preparing the Land for Restoration - SARE Western
• Using native grass seeding and targeted spring grazing to reduce low-level Bromus tectorum invasion on the Colorado Plateau

References