RSS 1.0Journal of Range Management, Volume 39, Number 5 (September 1986)
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Welcome to the Rangeland Ecology & Management archives. The journal Rangeland Ecology & Management (RE&M; v58, 2005-present) is the successor to the Journal of Range Management (JRM; v. 1-57, 1948-2004.) The archives provide public access, in a "rolling window" agreement with the Society for Range Management, to both titles (JRM and RE&M), from v.1 up to five years from the present year.
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Print ISSN: 0022-409x
Online ISSN: 1550-7424
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Recent Submissions
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Journal of Range Management, Volume 39, Number 5 (September 1986)Society for Range Management, 1986-09-01
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Woody Plants Reestablishment in Modified Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands, New MexicoPinyon (Pinus edulis Engelm.), one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg.), and alligator juniper (J. deppeana Steud.) woodlands in southwestern New Mexico were thinned, were pushed with bulldozers leaving slash in place, and were pushed and then slash piled and burned. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in densities of these trees 13 and 18 years later between untreated (379 trees/ha) and thinned (489 trees/ha) plots or between pushed/left (67 trees/ha) and pushed/piled/burned plots (49 trees/ha). Differences between bulldozed treatments and untreated/thinned treatments were significant (P<0.05). Total shrubs, 75% of which were gray oak (Quercus grisea Liebm.) and hairy mountainmahogany (Cercocarpus breviflorus Gray), were significantly more abundant in untreated areas (672 shrubs/ha), than in any of the treatments. No differences were noted among treatments (493, 393, 329 shrubs/ha for thinned, pushed/left, and pushed/piled/burned, respectively). Rates of pinyon reestablishment increased slowly up to the mid-1960's (from 1.1 to 1.3 trees/ha/year) then accelerated to 10 to 13 trees/ha/year. Pinyon and juniper densities were about 120 trees/ha when reestablishment rates increased.
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Vegetation Responses to Long-Term Sheep Grazing on Mountain RangesSome high-elevation summer ranges in southwestern Utah are characterized by a dominance of grass and low-value forbs. A reference area of forb dominance provides a striking contrast to these grass ranges. The reference area has a greater number of total species and a greater number of forbs. Production (above-ground live biomass) is nearly 2 times as great in the reference area as in the surrounding pastures. Production of desirable species in the reference area is greater than the production of desirables, intermediates, and least desirables in the surrounding pastures. It is suggested that the grass dominance on these ranges is due to a long and persistent history of exclusive sheep grazing.
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Vegetation of Exclosures in Southwestern North DakotaA 3-year study of the vegetation in 4 livestock exclosures was begun in 1976 in the mixed grass prairie of southwestern North Dakota. Three of the exclosures were established in 1937 and the fourth in 1938. The exclosures had greater graminoid leaf heights and greater mulch accumulations than the adjacent grazed plots; however, total yield and total belowground biomass were not significantly different between plots in 3 out of the 4 sites. The major difference between the exclosures and the adjacent grazed plots was species composition. The production of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Griffiths) was lower, and the production of thread-leaf sedge (Carex filifolia Nutt.) and another sedge (Carex heliophila Mack.) was greater in the exclosures than on the adjacent grazed plots. A summary by growth form also showed that the midgrass and tallgrass growth form category was more dominant in only 1 out of 4 exclosures. The interpretation of these data indicates that the potential for changes in growth form dominance and total yield due to management inputs must be evaluated on a site specific basis. Species composition also was a more reliable indicator of successional status than growth form dominance.
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Use of the FW-1 Water Level Recorder for Control of Electrical EquipmentA simple, inexpensive, and positive on/off control device can be added to the FW-1 water level recorder for activation of electrical instrumention used in rangeland hydrologic investigations. The device utilizes existing FW-1 gearing and readily available brass and aluminum parts and can be modified to perform over a wide range of water stage heights.
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The Botanical Composition of the Diet of Free-Ranging Cattle on an Alpine Range in AustraliaFive oesophageal-fistulated steers were used to determine the botanical composition, on a quantitative basis, of the diet of freeranging cattle on an alpine range in Victoria, Australia. The steers primarily selected 4 grass species, 3 sedges and 1 rush, 6 forbs and 3 shrub species. Species selection changed significantly with seasonal advance. Generally grass species were preferred early in the grazing season, shrubs in the middle of the season and forbs towards the end of the season. The main species identified in the diet which should be used as indicator species of range condition are: alpine star-bush (Asterolasia trymalioides F. Muell.), snow daisy (Celmisia asteliifolia J.D. Hook), alpine grevillea (Grevillea australis R. Br.), scaly buttons (Leptorhynchos squamatus (Labill.) Less.) and soft snow grass (Poa hiemata Vick.).
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Technical Notes: A Rumen Cannula for Small RuminantsA ridged rumen cannula made from polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings and plexi-glass at a material's cost of $2.50, is ideally suited for use on small ruminants. Its advantages over other rumen cannula designs include its simple construction, maintenance, ease of sampling, and immediate availability for use following surgical installation. A threaded outer adjustable washer provides a means of lightly tightening the cannula to the body wall thus preventing leakage and dislodgment of the cannula. The cannula can be adapted for various small ruminants by varying the size of the pipe fittings used to construct the cannula.
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Relation Between Ecological-Range Condition and Proportion of Soil-Surface TypesDifferent kinds of A-horizon soil-surface types occur on loessmantled xerollic Orthids and Argids in the Intermountain area. Four soil-surface types were identified on sites with potential vegetation of Wyoming big sagebrush [Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis Beetle] and Thurber needlegrass [Stipa thurberiana Piper]. These surfaces occupy different microtopographic positions and have different morphologies and chemical and physical properties. This study relates differences in the cover of these soil-surface types to ecological-range condition on sites of similar potential. Proportion of the surface type found under shrub or bunchgrass cover varies with range condition. More of the surface associated with shrub cover is found on low condition sites because of greater sagebrush cover. More of the surface associated with bunchgrass cover is found on high condition sites because of greater grass cover. Proportion of the surface types found in the interspace between shrubs also varies with range condition. High condition sites have a greater cover of the soil surface associated with bunchgrass cover and of the soil surface with cryptogam-stabilized microrelief. Conversely, low condition sites have essentially none of the soil surface associated with bunchgrass cover but a large amount of the soil surface with little microrelief. Results are interpreted in terms of watershed stability and natural revegetation potential.
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Range Management and Scenic Beauty as Perceived by Dispersed RecreationistsLand management agencies have developed considerable interest in the visual impacts of intensive range management. This study was designed to determine the impact of range management activities on dispersed recreationists and their concept of scenic beauty. We analyzed the ratings by 241 dispersed recreationists of selected range management activities and ecosystems on the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon during the summer of 1978. Features significantly related to dispersed recreationists' reactions to range management activities were primary recreational activity, place of residence, understanding of the purpose of a National Forest, and number of prior visits to the Malheur National Forest. Respondents reacted favorably to the range management activities examined. A majority, however, indicated that their use of recreational areas would be altered if management intensity increased or became more apparent.
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Pollination Requirements of Cicer Milkvetch, Astragalus cicer L.The effect of bee pollination on seed yield of cicer milkvetch, Astragalus cicer L., has not been reported previously for Alberta. The effect of insect pollination was determined by comparing seed yields of open-pollinated and pollinator-excluded plants. It was determined that cicer milk vetch must be cross-pollinated for optimum seed yield, although 1.8% of the flowers from pollinator-excluded plant produced pods and seeds. Flowers pollinated within the first 4 days after opening produced more seeds per pod than did flowers pollinated after the fourth day. The actual seed yields with open pollination at 2 locations were only 25.3 and 11.7% of the mean potential seed yields.
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Photosynthetic Characteristics of Crested Wheatgrass and Bluebunch WheatgrassLight and temperature dependencies for net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were generally very similar between foliage on crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Schult.) plants and that on bluebunch wheatgrass (A. spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. and Smith) plants. The similarity of these gas exchange characteristics between the 2 bunchgrass species was true for foliage on unclipped plants as well as on partially defoliated plants. However, light and temperature dependencies of senescing leaf blades that were exserted in late-spring were significantly different for unclipped plants of these 2 species. Photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductances of senescent late-season blades on bluebunch wheatgrass plants were greater than those on crested wheatgrass plants at light intensities greater than 0.8 mmol photons m-2 s-1 (photosynthetic photon flux density) and at all foliage temperatures between 18 degrees C and 41 degrees C. These greater photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductances do not mean that bluebunch wheatgrass tillers gained substantially more carbon or lost substantially more water than crested wheatgrass tillers. If both the photosynthetic area composition of tillers and the environmental conditions of the northern Utah study site were considered, carbon gain and water loss for individual bluebunch wheatgrass tillers would be very similar to those for individual crested wheatgrass tillers despite the significantly different responses to light and temperature during mid-summer.
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Nutritive Value of Forages on Sandy Soils As Affected by TebuthiuronTebuthiuron, [N-(5-1,1-dimethyethyl-l1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-N,N′-dimethylurea], a root-absorbed pelleted herbicide, was broadcast onto sand shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) rangeland in west Texas, May 1978. Green herbage of the dominant grasses was assayed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), 24-hr in vitro dry matter digestibility (24 hr-IVDMD), and cell wall content (CWC) on 3 dates in both 1978 and 1979. In 1978, tebuthiuron at 0.4 kg/ha or above improved quality of the major forages. Crude protein was up to 28% higher in treated plants the year of application. The P content ranged from 0.08 to 0.12% over all sampling dates. Digestibility increased slightly while no difference was found in CWC. Tebuthiuron had no effect on forage quality the year after application. The most consistent change in parameters measured was water content of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Untreated plants averaged 38% water throughout the growing season, while treated plants contained 50% water. Major benefits of killing oak are increased forage availability and not yet resolved palatability factors.
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Methods of Enhancing Germination of Anacua SeedsSeed dormancy hampers establishment of anacua [Ehretia anacua (Teran & Berl.) I.M. Johnst.] in plantings for wildlife. We evaluated methods of enhancing anacua germination and causes of dormancy. Seeds were (1) scarified with 2.9 mol liter-1 H2O2 or 0.71 mol liter-1 NaOCl for 10, 20, or 30 minutes, or concentrated (18.0 mol liter-1) H2SO4 for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes; (2) rinsed with water for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours; (3) treated with 0.1, 1.4, 2.9, and 4.3 mmol liter-1 gibberellic acid (GA); (4) treated with 0.02 mol liter-1 KNO3; (5) treated with dry heat (130 degrees C) for 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 minutes, (6) mechanically scarified; and (7) moist prechilled at 3 and 7 degrees C for 2 or 4 weeks. Seeds were germinated in controlled environment chambers at 30 degrees C. Germination was not enhanced by chemical scarification or rinsing. GA (1.4 mmol liter-1) increased germination from 35% for controls to 61%. Mechanical scarification and dry heat enhanced germination of highly dormant seeds only. A 2-week moist prechill at 3 degrees C increased germination of intact seeds from 6% for controls to 36%. Percent and rate of germination were similar among seed sources. Apparent afterripening requirements limited germination at 2 months after harvest to 3%. This requirement gradually broke down until at 8 months after harvest, germination had increased to 40%. Our results indicated that treatment with 1.4 mmol liter-1 GA or higher concentrations, moist prechilling for 2 weeks at 3 degrees C, and storage for 8 months will increase germination of dormant anacua seeds.
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Management of Subterranean Clover in Pine Forested RangeSubterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) is a cool-season forage legume that can be grown in the southeastern United States. Available varieties grow best on well-drained sites and tolerate acid soil conditions producing adequate forage without addition of lime if soil pH is 4.8 or higher. However, at least during the first few years, annual applications of at least 50 kg/ha of P2O5 and K2O are needed to maintain good production. In addition, summer growth of competing vegetation must be removed annually in late August or early September by heavy livetock grazing, use of herbicide, or close mowing. Unlike other clovers, subterranean will reseed even if heavily grazed during the flowering stage. Initial establishment under pine timber in the Southeast can be achieved by removal of hardwoods, prescribed burning, and broadcasting freshly inoculated seed on top of the soil in late October or early November when the soil surface is wet. Production of adequate forage before mid-winter remains a problem, especially if unregulated use by deer is heavy.
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Influence of Breed on Forage Intake of Range Beef CowsWe estimated forage intake of Hereford (HH) and 75% Simmental-25% Hereford (3S1H) cows grazing in northcentral Montana during the summer grazing season of 1982. Cows ranged freely over a 81-ha pasture of rough fescue (Festuca scabrella)-dominated rangeland. Intake was estimated for 6 lactating (March calved) and 6 nonlactating cows of each breed type in June, July, August, and September, 1982. Fecal output of dry cows was measured with total fecal collections and was also estimated with the chromic oxide dilution technique. Only the chromic oxide technique was used for lactating cows. Three to 4 esophageal-fistulated cows of each breed type were used for collection of dietary material suitable for in vitro digestibility analysis. Organic matter intake (as a percentage of body weight per day, %BW/D) of nonlactating HH and 3S1H cows did not differ (P is greater than or equal to 10), averaging 1.3% BW/d (using total fecal collection estimates). Chromic oxide derived forage intake estimates were 15% higher (P<.10) than total fecal collection estimates. Breeds responded similarly (P4 1/4.10) to both fecal output estimation techniques. Forage intake estimates for lactating cows were adjusted for this overestimation, and lactating 3S1H cows consumed more (P<.10) forage than lactating HH cows (1.9 vs. 1.7% BW/d, and 10.9 vs. 7.8 kg/d, respectively).
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Herbicide Conversion of a Sand Shinnery Oak (Quercus Havardii) Community: Effects on NitrogenSeasonal nitrogen dynamics were documented in an undisturbed sand shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) community and in similar areas treated with tebuthiuron 3 years and 6 years prior to sampling in 1981. Percent nitrogen was determined for above- and below-ground biomass compartments and for the soil by depth using semimicro Kjeldahl analyses. Total nitrogen by weight in the ecosystem showed no change from the untreated rangeland to the 3-year-old treatment but was 14% higher on the 6-year-old treatment than on the control. Less nitrogen occurred in oak biomass compartments on the treated plots than on the control and more nitrogen occurred in the herbaceous compartments on the treated plots than on the control. Nitrogen (%) was similar for all compartments on the untreated and 3-year treatments but was slightly higher for all compartments on the 6-year-old treatment than on the other 2 sites. Soil nitrogen was slightly higher (3%) on the 3-year-old treatment than on the control and was 16% greater on the 6-year-old treatment than on the untreated rangeland.
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Herbicide Conversion of a Sand Shinnery Oak (Quercus Havardii) Community: Effects on BiomassSeasonal biomass dynamics were documented in an undisturbed sand shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) community and adjacent areas treated with tebuthiuron 3 years and 6 years prior to sampling. Biomass was measured for above-ground and below-ground compartments during growth initiation, peak standing crop, and winter dormancy in 1981. Total biomass showed little change on plots treated 3 years prior to sampling compared to the untreated oak plot. However, there was a decrease in total biomass on the 6-year plot compared to the other 2 treatments. Above-ground biomass decreased on both treated sites compared to the untreated plot reflecting oak death and decomposition.. Above-ground herbaceous material increased approximately 6-fold on both treated sites compared to the untreated plot. Oak root biomass decreased 12% at 3 years and 37% at 6 years following treatment. Herbaceous root biomass increased 3-fold on the 3-year-old treatment compared to the untreated oak community and was twice as much on the 6-year-old treatment compared to the untreated site. Distribution of herbaceous roots by soil depth was altered by treatment with a higher percentage of roots on the surface 30 cm on the treated sites compared to the untreated sites.
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Field Evaluation of Five Grasses Grown on a Saline SoilRussian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea), Altai wildrye (Leymus angustus), creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus), and 2 forms of a bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseuduroegneria spicata) × quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) hybrid (RS-1 and RS-2) were evaluated in 1983 and 1984 for their suitability as forage for beef cattle. Hybrid selections produced 5,554 kg/ha of forage and their yields in 1983 were significantly more than those from the 2 wildryes and creeping foxtail that averaged 2,810 and 4,292 kg/ha, respectively. In 1984, there was not a significant difference among yields for the 5 grasses, but there was a significant increase in yield from 1983 for the 2 wildryes and creeping foxtail. Percent crude protein averaged 16% in the wildryes and 12.5% in the 2 hybrids and creeping foxtail in 1983. However, percent phosphorus averaged .40% in the creeping foxtail and .30% in the hybrids. In 1984, percent crude protein and phosphorus for all 5 grasses were lower than in 1983, but trends were similar. All 5 grasses exceeded the NRC crude protein and phosphorous requirement for a 500-kg lactating cow in 1983. In 1984, only the creeping foxtail and RS-1 hybrid exceeded the phosphorous requirement. In vitro organic matter digestibility averaged 64% in the ryegrasses and 54% in the hybrids for both years. In 1983, all 5 grasses exceeded the metabolizable energy requirement of a lactating 500-kg cow. Based on calculated nutritional index, Russian wildrye and Altai wildrye ranked 1 and 2 with the creeping foxtail and RS-2 hybrid ranking 4 and 5, respectively, in 1983. In 1984, Russian wildrye and the creeping foxtail ranked 1 and 2, and the RS-1 hybrid and RS-2 hybrid ranked 4 and 5.
