Location: Range and Meadow Forage Management Research
Title: Grazing is not binomial (i.e. grazed or not grazed): a reply to HermanAuthor
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Submitted to: Bioscience Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2019 Publication Date: 12/17/2019 Citation: Davies, K.W., Boyd, C.S. 2019. Grazing is not binomial (i.e. grazed or not grazed): a reply to Herman. Bioscience Journal. 70(1):6-7. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biz138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biz138 Interpretive Summary: Livestock grazing is often considered as a generic disturbance (i.e. grazed or not grazed). In this article, we explain that grazing effects depend on timing of use, frequency, intensity and type of grazing animal. We provide examples from the literature of how different grazing management influences effects. The literature also shows that moderate levels of grazing can have no effect or positive effects on rangelands. Broadly generalizing grazing and ignoring that management can dictate its effects is not consistent with current science and will limit our ability to effectively sustain rangeland ecosystem services and function. This article is of interest to natural resource managers and scientists. Technical Abstract: Livestock grazing is often considered as a generic disturbance (i.e. grazed or not grazed). In this article, we explain that grazing effects depend on timing of use, frequency, intensity and type of grazing animal. We provide examples from the literature of how different grazing management influences effects. The literature also shows that moderate levels of grazing can have no effect or positive effects on rangelands. Broadly generalizing grazing and ignoring that management can dictate its effects is not consistent with current science and will limit our ability to effectively sustain rangeland ecosystem services and function. This article is of interest to natural resource managers and scientists. |
