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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #139792
Title: GRAZING EFFECTS ON MICROTOPOGRAPHY IN A DESERT GRASSLAND

Author
item NASH, MALIHA - ENV PROTECTION AGENCY
item JACKSON, ERIK - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item Whitford, Walter

Submitted to: Ecological Society of America Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2002
Publication Date: 8/4/2002
Citation: NASH, M., JACKSON, E., WHITFORD, W.G. GRAZING EFFECTS ON MICROTOPOGRAPHY IN A DESERT GRASSLAND. 87TH ANNUAL MEETING, ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. 2002. ABSTRACT P. 398.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: We measured the effects of short-term intense grazing by domestic cattle on the microtopography of a black-grama grass Bouteloua eriopoda dominated desert grasslands. Plots were grazed during winter or summer for 24-36 hours by 20-40 yearlings in 1995 and 1996. Soil microtopography was measured with an erosion bridge by measuring pin lengths above the leveled bridge. Short-duration, intense grazing resulted in significant loss of microtopographic relief. There were significant reductions in the numbers of mounds and depressions in grazed plots compared with ungrazed plots. Average mound height was significantly lower in grazed plots than in ungrazed plots, and average depth of depressions was significantly reduced in grazed plots. The reduced microtopography resulting from short-duration, intense grazing affects water storage patterns and soil nutrient patterns.