Forage Response of a Mesquite-Buffalograss Community Following Range Rehabilitation

Abstract

The influence of different range rehabilitation methods on honey mesquite control, herbage production, and grazing capacity were evaluated on a depleted clay loam range site in west Texas. Mesquite control by foliar application of 2,4,5-T + picloram, shredding, mechanical grubbing, mechanical grubbing and seeding to kleingrass, and mechanical grubbing and vibratilling increased herbage production and grazing capacity. Shredding increased soil cover by adding plant litter, but significantly controlled mesquite competition for only 2 years. Seeding to kleingrass resulted in a productive stand with a high estimated grazing capacity. Foliar spraying doubled grass production compared to no treatment and resulted in 76% mesquite mortality 3 years after treatment. Deferment from grazing was important in increasing herbage production during the study period; however, for maximum grazing capacity both mesquite control and proper grazing would be necessary.