RSS 1.0Journal of Range Management, Volume 39, Number 4 (July 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 4 (July 1986)Society for Range Management, 1986-07-01
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Weather Factors Affecting 22 Years of Tallgrass Prairie Hay Production and QualityTallgrass prairie annual hay production and chemical composition (N, P, K, CA) data from a 23-year study conducted by H.J. Harper, Oklahoma State University, from 1929 through 1951 were correlated with corresponding monthly and seasonal temperature (mean, maximum and minimum, and absolute maximum and minimum), precipitation, wind, spring and fall growing season freeze dates, current and previous year's harvest dates, and previous year's yield. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the weather variables and multiple regression equations which accounted for the greatest percentage of variation in annual hay production and nutrient concentrations. Equations with 4 independent weather variables for all months prior to the date of hay harvest produced high R2 values for production (82%), and N (80%), P (81%), K (81%) and CA (91%) concentrations. In general temperature values, especially in the fall of the previous year and January and mid-summer of the current year, accounted for more of the variation in all response variables than did any other kind of weather variable, such as precipitation, wind, or freeze date. Equations with 4 independent weather variables for those months prior to June produced only a moderate R2 value (48%) for production, but produced high R2 values for N (76%), P (74%), K (74%) and Ca (79%) concentrations. Relationships deserving additional research are suggested.
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Velvet Mesquite Seedling Development in Three Southwestern SoilsSeedlings of velvet mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. velutina) were grown in sandy loam, clay loam, and clay soils to 30 and 60 days of age. Top and root growth parameters were measured at those time intervals and top growth was measured at 10-day intervals over the study period. A significantly (P=0.005) higher root growth rate and root penetration was found for seedlings in sandy loam and clay loam soils over the initial 30-day growth period. At approximately this time, top growth became favored over root growth. As a result, the rate of root growth in sandy and clay loam soils was reduced by nearly 60% during the second 30-day period. Seedlings grown in clay soils tended to have shorter root systems but the roots were more fibrous compared to seedlings in the other soils.
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Utilization of White Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt.) by Range CattleUtilization studies conducted on a high mountain range determined the quantity and timing of white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt.) consumption by cattle. Paired plots (one caged and one grazed) were clipped at the end of the grazing season to determine seasonal utilization. Biweekly visual appraisals were used to estimate percentage leaf grazed and number of reproductive stalks grazed and thus determine utilization patterns as the season progressed. Loco comprised 26% of the standing crop. Thirty-four percent of the available loco was utilized during the grazing season. Loco flower and pods (heads) were preferred to leaves. Utilization of loco heads increased linearly as the season progressed. Loco leaves were not consumed until the last 3 weeks of the grazing season. Loco heads also contained the highest concentration of the toxic alkaloid, swainsonine.
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Toxic Nitro Compounds in Species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) in ArgentinaThirty species of Astragalus from Argentina were analyzed for toxic aliphatic nitro compounds. Twenty-seven species, including 7 species known to poison livestock, synthesized nitro compounds that hydrolyzed to highly toxic 3-nitro-1-propanol (3-NPOH). Nitro compounds in Astragalus palenae (Phil.) Reiche hydrolyzed to both 3-NPOH and 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA). Astragalus palenae is the only species of Astragalus so far examined that synthesized both compounds. Analyses of leaves of the 30 species for cyanogenic glycosides were negative. Species of Astragalus from Argentina that synthesize nitro compounds should not be introduced into the United States because of their potential hazard to livestock.
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Tolerances of Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, and Greasewood to Elevated Water TablesKnowledge of the effects of saturated soils and flooding on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis), green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), and black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) can enhance our understanding of their distribution. The responses of these 3 species to elevated water tables were studied on 4 contours bordering an expanding lake in southeast Oregon during the 1983 and 1984 growing seasons. When plants were initially selected for study, contours were 0, 10, 20, and 40 cm above the lake surface. Continued expansion of the lake flooded the lower contours and elevated the water tables under the upper contours. Wyoming big sagebrush rapidly succumbed to surface flooding and elevated water tables within 10 cm of the surface. Green rabbitbrush behaved similarly, but responses lagged about 1 week behind sagebrush. Black greasewood tolerated surface flooding for 40 days before effects were apparent. Water tables within 25 to 30 cm of the surface had no effect on greasewood. Given adequate topography and water supplies, water spreading techniques could be used to control Wyoming big sagebrush and green rabbitbrush.
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Threshold Requirements for Burning Downed Honey MesquiteForty-one headfires were burned on 0.1-ha test plots on 2 west Texas study sites in the spring of 1984. The purpose of these burns was to develop a prescription for predicting whether downed honey mesquite will be consumed by a prescribed fire. It was found, using regression analysis and discriminant analysis techniques, that critical variables for predicting ignition and combustion of downed honey mesquite are: (1) windspeed, (2) stem moisture content, (3) stem diameter, and (4) proportion of green fuel in the fuel bed. Threshold values for ignition were 6 km/hr windspeed, 6% stem surface moisture content, 5 cm stem diameter, and 15% green:total fine fuel. Threshold values for sustained combustion were 15 km/hr windspeed, 6 cm stem diameter, and 6% stem moisture content at 1.25 cm below the stem surface. A prescription for burning downed honey mesquite was developed.
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Some Impacts of 2,4,5-T on a Mesquite Duneland Ecosystem In Southern New Mexico: A SynthesisTwo aerial applications of 2,4,5-T [2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] were applied to 3,634 ha of mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr. var. glandulosa) dunelands in southern New Mexico. Herbicide residuals; herbaceous plant production; soil microorganisms; insect, small mammal, and bird populations; cattle weights; travel; time budgets; and diets were studied on the treated area and an adjacent, untreated area. Stem kill of mesquite ranged from 17 to 66%. Herbicide residuals in soils and plant tissue on the treated area dissipated within a single season. Herbaceous plant production was measured for 5 years on a small area sprayed in 3 consecutive years and on untreated rangeland. Production was greater on the sprayed than on the unsprayed area for the first 3 years and was about the same on both areas for the next 2 years. Microbial populations were not numerically different between treatments but dehydrogenase activity and CO2 evolution were greater in dunal than interdunal soils. Numbers of tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) did not differ between treatments. More mesquite leaf tiers (Tetralopha euphemella) were found on the sprayed area than on the untreated area. Population statistics for small mammals were similar on both treatments. More bird species were found on untreated than on sprayed areas. Cattle weights, travel, and time budgets did not differ between treatments and there were only minor differences between treatments in cattle diet quality. The sprayed area supported over twice as many AUM's of grazing as the untreated area in the first 3 post-treatment years. In the second post-treatment year, cattle liveweight produced was 2.9 and 1.5 kg/ha on the sprayed and untreated areas, respectively. Overall, the 2,4,5-T treatment caused relatively minor perturbations in measured ecosystem components.
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Short Duration Grazing in Central New Mexico: Effects on Infiltration RatesThe objectives of this study were to determine the influence of short duration grazing, continuous grazing, and grazing exclusion on infiltration rates on 2 range sites in southcentral and eastcentral New Mexico. Short duration grazing had no beneficial effect on the hydrology of 2 different range sites. The terminal infiltration rates of both short duration grazing systems, after the cattle had grazed the area, were about one-half the terminal infiltration rate of the same area before the cattle grazed the area. Cattle distribution within the different grazing treatments had no effect on infiltration rates at 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 km away from water for a moderate continuous, heavy continuous, and a short duration grazing system. Moderate continuous grazing was superior to heavy continuous grazing and short duration grazing, based on the hydrologic variables evaluated.
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Seasonal Variation in Above-Ground Annual and Perennial Phytomass of an Arid Rangeland in LibyaAn Aristida pungens-Retama retam rangeland in the arid Jeffara plain in Libya produced 2,000 and 950 kg (dry matter) ha-1 of net above-ground phytomass with 200 mm and 171 mm of rainfall during the 1977/78 and 78/79 growing seasons, respectively. Annual plants contributed 460 and 300 kg (dry matter ha-1) in the 2 seasons, respectively. Perennial shrubs lost their 1978 winter-spring aerial production during the long 1978 summer and dry winter when grazable forage was most needed. In contrast, spring production of annual plants remained available and grazable until late summer. Settlement of shepherds' families on site is not advised as the dead standing phytomass (270 kg dry wood ha-1) may be rapidly exhausted for fuel consumption, leading to wind erosion problems on presently fixed sand dunes.
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Optimal timing of investments to control honey mesquiteA general economic model to analyze optimal timing of brush control treatments and other range improvements was developed. The model was then applied to investments to control mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) invading native rangeland in the Rolling Plains of Texas. Although a positive grass response from mesquite control would be anticipated for 5 years under average conditions, the economic optimum retreatment schedule is only 4 years. An increase in beef price shortens the optimal retreatment schedule, while an increase in treatment cost lengthens the optimal retreatment schedule. Implementing brush control treatments during a year favorable for a high rate of top kill is an important economic consideration.
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Foaling Rate and Survival of Feral Horses in Western NevadaFoaling and mortality rates of known-age feral horses equipped with radio transmitters were obtained in 1981 and 1982 for 2 areas in Nevada. These data showed considerable annual variation. In one area, 45% of the mares produced foals in both years while only 10% produced foals in the other area. Foal mortality ranged from 2% to 33%. Both the highest mortality (33% in 1981) and the lowest (2% in 1982) occurred in the same area. The cause for this apparent inconsistency was unknown. The highest age-specific reproductive rates occurred in 5 to 10 year-old mares.
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Estimating Leaf Area of Big Sagebrush from Measurement of SapwoodWyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis) plants were destructively sampled in May 1984 in southeast Oregon to examine the applicability of the pipe model theory to an arid land shrub. This theory proposes that total leaf area or leaf biomass of a plant is limited by the amount of conducting tissue available to service the leaves. Basal sapwood areas were measured for 20 Wyoming big sagebrush plants and correlated with the biomass and leaf area of the supported foliage. Additional samples of leaves were collected over a 12-month period to evaluate fluctuations in leaf weight to leaf area relationships. Basal sapwood area of sagebrush stems was a reliable indicator of foliage biomass or leaf area (r2=0.95). Leaf area to weight relationships fluctuated significantly throughout the year with the most substantial changes occurring during the growing season. Although this species is an evergreen, the dynamic nature of foliage production and morphology demands intensive seasonal sampling to accurately predict leaf areas.
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Efficacy of Zinc Phosphide and Strychnine for Black-Tailed Prairie Dog ControlThree rodenticide treatments, zinc phosphide (prebaited) and strychnine (both with and without prebait), were evaluated immediately following treatment for efficacy of controlling black-tailed prairie dogs in western South Dakota. Active prairie dog burrows were reduced 95% with zinc phosphide, 83% with strychnine (prebaited), and 45% with strychnine without prebait. Zinc phosphide was the most effective in reducing active burrows of prairie dogs.
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Effects of Temperature and Presowing Treatments on Showy Menodora Seed GerminationLow seed germination is a problem in establishment of showy menodora (Menodora longiflora Gray). Objectives of this study were to determine the effects of temperature, light, and presowing treatments on showy menodora germination. Scarified and untreated seeds were germinated at 5/15, 10/20, 15/25, 20/30, 25/35, and 30/40 degrees C (12 hour/12 hour) with 12 hours of light at the warmer temperature or complete darkness. Seeds were subjected to: (1) chemical scarification with concentrated (18.0 mol liter-1) H2 SO4, 2.9 mol liter-1 H2O2, or 0.7 mol liter-1 NaOCl, (2) a hot (80 degrees C) water soak, and (3) nicking with a razor blade. Percent germination and germination rate were highest at 20/30 degrees C. The highest percentage of abnormal seedlings occurred for mechanically scarified seeds at 5/15 degrees C. Light did not affect germination at 15/25, 20/30, and 30/40 degrees C, but enhanced germination at 5/15, 10/20, and 25/35 degrees C. Scarification enhanced percent germination and germination rate at all temperatures. At 20/30 degrees C, nicking seeds with a razor and a 3-minute soak in 0.7 mol liter-1 NaOCL resulted in 81 and 78% germination, respectively, of 1-year-old seeds, compared to 53% for untreated seeds. These results indicate that showy menodora seeds should be scarified by mechanical means or with 0.7 mol liter-1 NaOCL and planted when average daily minimum/maximum soil temperatures are about 20/30 degrees C for maximum germination.
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Cubed Alfalfa Hay or Cottonseed Meal-Barley as Supplements for Beef Cows Grazing Fall-Winter RangeA 2-year study evaluated the efficacy of supplements for beef cows grazing mixed grass prairie during the fall and winter. Cows were allotted to 3 treatments: (1) range forage only, (2) range forage plus 1.2-1.3 kg alfalfa cubes hd-1 d-1, and (3) range forage plus .9 kg cottonseed meal-barley cake hd-1 d-1. Supplements were fed daily to provide approximately 50% of crude protein requirements. Treatment effects did not depend (P<0.10) on year for independent variables evaluated. Although weather conditions differed among years, observed changes in weight and condition score were similar (P<0.10) for both years. Supplemented cows gained weight; but supplement type did not influence weight gains. In contrast, unsupplemented cows displayed significant weight loss. Supplemented cows either maintained or slightly increased in body condition during the fall-winter period. However, body condition of unsupplemented cows decreased (P<.05) compared with condition of supplemented cows. Supplementation with alfalfa cubes resulted in similar performance compared with supplementation with cottonseed meal-barley cake. Supplementing diets of wintering range cows with feeds high in protein improved performance compared with no supplementation.
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Comparative Infiltration Rates and Sediment Production on Fertilized and Grazed Blue Grama RangelandThis study determined the impacts of fertilization and livestock grazing on infiltration rates and sediment production. Infiltration rates and sediment production varied across years, depending on precipitation conditions, but were not different between fertilized and unfertilized rangeland within a year. Livestock production and stocking rates were 2 times greater on fertilized than on nonfertilized rangeland. Soil bulk density was only greater on the fertilized areas than the control at the end of the grazing period in 1982. Microtopography or roughness was not different between treatments. Increases in plant production mitigated any impacts from increased livestock numbers in fertilized areas.
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Cold-Temperature Germination of Elytrigia repens X Pseudoroegneria spicata HybridsThe successful establishment of perennial grass seedlings on Artemisia rangelands may depend on germination in the early spring at cold seedbed conditions. To ascertain the feasibility of selecting for germination at low temperatures in a hybrid population, seeds for 30 RS hybrid [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Love × Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski] lines were germinated under a wide range of constant or alternating temperatures. The hybrid populations were characterized in 11 different, but related germination responses to incubation temperatures based on discriminate analysis of seedbed temperatures. Germination at very cold incubation temperatures was markedly reduced in all populations compared to germination at more moderate temperatures. A range of 0 to 16% germination existed among the hybrids at very cold temperatures after 4 weeks incubation. At the very cold temperature regime, crested wheatgrass [Agropryon desertorum (Fisch.) Schult.] had 1% germination and intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Dewey] had 3% germination. At cold temperatures, germination of one hybrid line exceeded that of the wheatgrasses. At cold fluctuating temperatures, 13 and 22 hybrid lines had higher germination than intermediate and crested wheatgrass, respectively. Results of this study indicate a high potential of selection among these hybrid lines for germination in rangeland seedbeds under cold temperature regimes.
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Changes in Bacterial Populations in Wyoming Mountain Streams After 10 YearsStreams of mountain watersheds in Wyoming were monitored to compare water quality data collected during 1971-72 with data collected during 1982. After 10 years there was little change in: (1) total coliforms, (2) fecal coliforms, (3) fecal streptococci, (4) plate counts at 35 degrees C, (5) total heterotrophic aerobic bacteria, (6) denitrifying bacteria, and (7) those organisms capable of reducing sulfate. Grazing management, recreation activities, and wildlife use of the watershed studied seem to be contributing a constant bacterial load to streams sampled by year and month during summer.
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Causes and Economic Effects of Mortality in Livestock Guarding DogsWe assessed causes of pre-senile mortality among working guarding dogs, and its effects on their management and cost. A population of 449 livestock guarding dogs in 31 states showed no differences in mortality due to breed or sex, but dogs working on open rangelands died more frequently (p<.001) than those working on farms or fenced ranches. Half of the farm dogs died before they reached 38 months of age, by which time nearly three-quarters of the open rangelands dogs had succumbed. Accidents accounted for over half the deaths, culling for inappropriate behavior accounted for one-third, and diseases for 9%. High accident and culling rates in young dogs substantially increased the cost of this predator control technique. However, we found 2 main areas where corrective measures can be applied: (1) increasing the awareness among producers that accidents are a main cause of deaths especially during the dogs' first 30 months of age; and (2) reducing the number of culls by improving the genetics of the dogs and by training producers to manage them.
