bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy prospects for brush control to increase off-site water yield
Authors: Thurow T. L. , Thurow A. P. , Garriga M. D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Water yield from rangeland on the Edwards Plateau, Texas is significantly greater if a site is dominated by grass instead of brush. Brush control programs are being considered by policy-makers as a way to relieve water shortages in the region. This research analyzed ranchers' willingness to participate in a publicly-funded brush control cost-sharing program that would be ranch-revenue neutral. A survey instrument was mailed to 226 ranchers, 119 were completed and returned (53%). The cost sharing program required that brush on enrolled land be cleared and maintained at 3% cover for a 10-year period. Respondents estimated that current brush cover on their land averaged 41%, which contrasted with their preference that brush cover average 27%. This expression of preferred brush cover was similar to an independent estimate by a panel of experts in the region which indicated ranch livestock and deer-hunting lease value would be maximized at 30% brush cover. These estimates indicate that a program designed to increase water yield by reducing brush cover to 3% would likely require a financial incentive to offset the cost of brush control that exceeded the preference of the owner. Sixty-six percent of respondents indicated a willingness to enroll some portion of their land in the cost-sharing program described in the survey instrument. Ranch size, the percentage of ranch income earned from deer-hunting leases and livestock, and whether or not ranchers indicated that expense limited past brush control efforts were the variables measured by the survey instrument which best explained the probability of participation and the amount of land the owner was willing to enroll.
Journal of Range Management, Volume 53, Number 2 (March 2000)
Authors:   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Complete digitized issue.
Supplementation of yearling steers grazing Northern Great Plains rangelands
Authors: Karn J. F. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Growing yearling steers on summer rangelands as part of a cow-calf-yearling operation would allow producers to maximize forage utilization, and selling yearling steers when forage was in short supply would minimize potential genetic losses in the cow herd. A series of summer supplementation and intake studies were conducted from 1988-1992 to determine if weight gains of grazing yearling steers could be increased by supplemental energy (ground barley), phosphorus (P), or crude protein. Studies were conducted at 2 locations on pastures of approximately 51 ha each, which contained quite different mixtures of forage species. Forage P, crude protein and IVDOM levels were monitored throughout the grazing season. Supplementation results varied among years and between locations. There were significant (P < 0.14) location by treatment interactions in 1989 and 1990 because steers at the WEST location tended to respond more to supplementation than steers at the EAST location, but EAST location steers had the highest rates of gain. Providing supplements at gradually increasing rates produced results comparable to supplementing at a constant rate all summer. Supplemental crude protein showed no significant benefit, but crude protein levels in pasture forage were generally above steer requirements. Weight gains averaged over all 5 years were greater (P < 0.05) for steers supplemented with barley or barley and P, compared to unsupplemented control steers. The response to supplementation should be beneficial most years, but results may vary with the quantity and quality of available forage.
Alkaloid levels of a tall larkspur species in southwestern Alberta
Authors: Majak W. , McDiarmid R. E. , Hall J. W. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Tall larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are widely distributed in western North America and they kill more cattle on rangelands than any other poisonous plant. In Alberta, Canada, D. brownii Rydb. has a long history of causing cattle poisoning. The neurotoxic norditerpenoid alkaloid methyllycaconitine (MLA) was first detected in D. brownii over 50 years ago. A 2-year (1996 to 1997) survey was conducted on the levels of MLA in D. brownii collected at 5 sites in the foothills of southwestern Alberta. The vegetative stage of growth yielded the highest levels of MLA and the decline and change in concentration during that interval could be predicted on the basis of Julian day alone. The MLA levels during bud to pod development were not significantly different but they exceeded the reported levels for MLA in low larkspur by 5-to 10-fold. A new method is described for the determination of MLA by HPLC.
Livestock guard dogs reduce predation on domestic sheep in Colorado
Authors: Andelt W. F. , Hopper S. N. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

We surveyed the effectiveness of livestock guard dogs for reduc-ing predation on domestic sheep in Colorado during 1993. The number of producers using dogs increased from about 25 in 1986 to >159 in 1993. The proportion of sheep with dogs increased from about 7% in 1986 to about 68% in 1993. Producers with dogs, compared to producers without dogs, lost smaller proportions of their lambs to predators, especially coyotes (Canis latrans Say), and smaller proportions of ewes and lambs to black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas) and mountain lions (Felis concolor L.). Overall, producers who did not have guard dogs lost 5.9 and 2.1 times greater proportions of lambs to predators than producers who had dogs in 1986 and 1993, respectively. Proportions of sheep killed by predators decreased with the number of years that producers used guard dogs. Mortalities of ewes to predators regardless of type of operation and lamb mortality on open range decreased more from 1986 to 1993 for producers who obtained dogs between these years compared to producers who did not have dogs. Of 160 producers using dogs, 84% rated their dogs overall predator control performance as excellent or good, 13% as fair, and 3% as poor. More producers (n = 105) indicated effectiveness of their dogs did not change with time, compared to producers (n = 54) indicating effectiveness changed. More producers (n = 35) also indicated their dogs became more effective over time compared to producers (n =19) indicating their dogs became less effective. Estimates provided by 125 producers indicate that their 392 dogs saved 891,440 of sheep from predation during 1993. A total of 154 of 161 (96%) producers recommend use of guard dogs to other producers.
Journal of Range Management, Volume 53, Number 3 (May 2000)
Authors:   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Complete digitized issue.
Observations of predator activity at wildlife water developments in southern Arizona
Authors: DeStefano S. , Schmidt S. L. , DeVos J. C. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Wildlife water developments have been constructed and maintained throughout the arid western United States to benefit big game and upland gamebird populations. There is debate, however, over possible detriments to wildlife from artificial water sources in deserts and other arid environments. One concern is that water developments attract predators, which then impact the prey populations that these developments are intended to benefit. To examine the extent of predator activity around water developments, we examined 15 paired water and non-water (random) sites for sign (scats, tracks, visual observations, animal parts such as feathers and bones, and carcasses) of predators and prey. Predator sign was 7x greater around water sites than non-water sites (P = 0.002). Coyote (Canis latrans Say) sign accounted for 79% of all predator sign and was 7x greater near water than away from water (P = 0.006). Amount of sign for all prey species combined was not different between paired sites (P = 0.6), but results for individual species and groups of species was variable; passerine and gallinaceous bird sign was greater around water sites (P = 0.008), ungulate sign was not different between water and non-water sites (P greater than or equal to 0.20), and lagomorph sign was almost 2x greater away from water than near water (P = 0.05). Predators were probably attracted to wildlife water developments to drink rather than hunt; without water developments, predators may be even more concentrated around the fewer natural water sites.
Effect of grazing on the population biology of Phalaris aquatica
Authors: Leiva M. J. , Alés R. F. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

To examine the effect of grazing and potential interactions among grazing and biological traits of plants, we studied patch dynamics, seed production, and seedling survival in a Mediterranean population of the perennial grass Phalaris aquatica L. in grazed and ungrazed plots in southern Spain. Grazing by cattle induced an important (70%) decrease in the abundance of plants over 4 growing seasons. In the ungrazed plots, abundance of plants remained stable. Within these plots there was some (30%) spatial replacement of plants. However, replacement was by tillering and not by genets, genetically different individuals produced from seeds. The lack of genet replacement within the ungrazed plots agrees with results on mortality of young plants that were obtained from an independent field experiment, in which 85–95% of plants in different cohorts died within 1 to 3 growing seasons. This mortality of seedlings and young plants was concentrated in summers, especially when drought was prolonged. In contrast, seed production was apparently not a limit-ing factor for plant recruitment in ungrazed plots as seed output of the perennial grass (25,312 ± 3,255 seeds m-2) was of the same magnitude as seed output in annual grasses that were abundant in the study site. Intensive grazing limited tiller production, patch size, and a summer drought limited recruitment of new adult individuals. These factors resulted in a low tolerance to episodes of high stocking rates from which the perennial grasswas unable to recover.
Journal of Range Management, Volume 53, Number 4 (July 2000)
Authors:   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Complete digitized issue.
Cattle prefer endophyte-free robust needlegrass
Authors: Jones T. A. , Ralphs M. H. , Gardner D. R. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Robust needlegrass (Achnatherum robustum [Vasey] Barkw. = Stipa robusta [Vasey] Scribn.) is a high-biomass rangeland species that is adapted to warmer temperatures and matures later than most cool-season grasses. However, it has been associated with negative animal effects including avoidance. We compared populations of Neotyphodium and P-endophyte-infected endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) robust needle-grass for animal preference. Leaf blades were fed to yearling heifers in 3 trials of 8-min cafeteria sessions for 4 to 5 days each. Trial 1 (27-30 May) compared E+, E-, basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus [Scribn. Merr.] A. Löve), and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum [Podp.] Barkw. D.R. Dewey). Basin wildrye consumption (425 g) did not differ from tall wheatgrass (342 g), but basin wildrye consumption exceeded E- (258 g), which in turn exceeded E+ (117 g) (16 animal-sessions). Basin wildrye was dropped from Trial 2 because its consumption exceeded that of both E- and E+. In Trial 2 (1-5 June), consumption of E-, E+, and tall wheatgrass did not differ. Tall wheatgrass was dropped from Trial 3 to allow direct comparison of E- and E+. In Trial 3 (13-17 July), consumption of E- (585 g) exceeded E+ (145 g) (15 animal-sessions). In Trial 3, animals often rejected E+ forage before tasting. Discrimination against E+ was greater at the end of Trial 3 than at the beginning. The reputation of robust needlegrass for animal avoidance may be more related to its endophyte infection status than to the grass itself. Differences in forage-quality parameters were not large enough to account for the observed differences in preference. Ergot and loline alkaloids were not found in either E- or E+, therefore they cannot be responsible for the observed avoidance of E+. Non-trace amounts of ergot alkaloids were found only in seed collected in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico and not at other locations in New Mexico, Arizona, or Colorado.
Investigation of herbaceous species adapted to snowfence areas
Authors: Perryman B. L. , Laycock W. A. , Koch D. W. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Decreases in biomass and cover, as well as changes in species composition have occurred on rangelands affected by snowdrifts behind 3.8 meter tall "Wyoming" type snowfences along Interstate 80 in southeast Wyoming. Within the state of Wyoming, government agencies are responsible for the mitigation of any adverse effects associated with snowfences. These agencies need information which may aid mitigation efforts. In this study, 13 grass species and 2 tillage treatments (till and no-till) were evaluated in the field on both drift and non-drift areas, to determine the potential of each for the revegetation of snowfence sites. Evaluation was based on foliar cover at the end of the first growing season and aboveground biomass production after the second growing season. The project included plantings on 2 different soil depth sites (< 50 cm and > 50 cm) that were treated as 2 separate experiments. Results indicate that pubescent wheatgrass 'Luna' (Elytrigia intermedia [Host] Nevski), thick-spike wheatgrass 'Critana' (Elymus lanceolatus [Scribn. J.G. Smith] Gould), and 2 varieties of slender wheatgrass 'Pryor' and 'San Luis' (Elymus trachycaulus [Link] Gould ex Shinners), were superior in cover and aboveground biomass production when planted in combination with tilled plots. Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa [L.] Beauv.) exhibited the least potential for cover and aboveground biomass production.
Hydrologic responses of shortgrass prairie ecosystems
Authors: Weltz L. , Frasier G. , Weltz M. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Runoff hydrographs from 3 separate rainfall simulation runs at 11 different shortgrass prairie sites were evaluated to determine the hydrologic similarity within a single ecosystem at widely separated sites. There were no consistent patterns in the equilibrium runoff among sites and simulator runs. When the sites were stratified by soil type, there were differences in time-to-peak of the runoff event and the regression slope of the rising limb of the runoff ratios. Spearman's rank correlation showed no relation of the rising limb slope regression coefficient to measured vegetative characteristics across all sites. There was minimal correlation between the runoff regression coefficient and the percent cover and bare soil. Differences in the biotic components of the sites were not useful in predicting runoff characteristics. If equilibrium runoff was the measured hydrologic response, the sites were dissimilar. Using the time-to-peak and slope of the rising limb components of the runoff hydrograph, the sites were similar on the same soil type. The technique of comparing components of the runoff hydrograph, other than equilibrium runoff has promise to allow one to quickly compare responses among ecosystems to determine if they have similar hydrological functions. Our study on shortgrass prairie sites indicated that easily estimated factors such as biomass, cover and litter were not good indicators of hydrologic function. Also, it is necessary to identify which portion of the runoff event is most important in the assessment. Future hydrologic and erosion models need to develop nonlinear prediction equations to estimate infiltration rates as a function of cover, biomass, and soil properties and also to stratify soils into functional units to accurately estimate runoff rates.
Effects of roundups on behavior and reproduction of feral horses
Authors: Hansen K. V. , Mosley J. C. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Roundups are used to maintain feral horse populations in balance with rangeland grazing capacity, but little is known about short-term and long-term effects of roundups on horses. We evaluated the effects of roundups on behavior and reproduction of feral horses. The study was conducted near Challis, Ida. during 1994-1995, and repeated near Lander, Wyo. during 1995-1996. Horses were randomly assigned to 3 different treatment groups. One group (ADOPTED) was gathered by a Bureau of Land Management roundup crew using a helicopter. These horses were removed and placed in the Adopt-A-Horse Program. The second group (SIMULATED) consisted of horses that were gathered by helicopter, but these horses evaded capture and remained in the study area after the roundup. Horses in the third group (CONTROL) were not herded by helicopter. Horse behavior was monitored in the SIMULATED and CONTROL groups before and after roundups. Behavioral variables analyzed were the percentage of time spent resting, feeding, vigilant, traveling, and engaged in agonistic encounters. Neither foraging or social behavior of feral horses was affected by roundups in either study area (P > 0.10). Reproduction was monitored within the SIMULATED, CONTROL, and ADOPTED groups during the year following roundups. The percentages of mares with live foals did not differ (P > 0.10) among the 3 treatment groups in Idaho or Wyoming. Foaling success rates in Idaho were 29%, 31%, and 43% for CONTROL, ADOPTED, and SIMULATED mares, respectively. In Wyoming, foaling success rates were 29%, 42%, and 48% for CONTROL, ADOPTED, and SIMULATED groups, respectively. We found no evidence that roundups had deleterious effects on behavior or reproduction of feral horses.
Hoary cress reproduction in a sagebrush ecosystem
Authors: Larson L. , Kiemnec G. , Smergut T. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Field studies were undertaken to evaluate hoary cress (Cardaria draba (L.) Desv.) reproduction and spread in a sagebrush ecosystem. Hoary cress germination, emergence, and survival were restricted to moist environments. These conditions occurred 2 out of 8 years. Hoary cress germination under field conditions was greatest on toe slope positions and areas of soil disturbance. Number of shoots varied annually for established hoary cress populations. Shoot propagation was reduced when early spring growth was followed by frost or drought. Shoot numbers were increased when spring growth was delayed and warm, moist growing conditions occurred in May. Seed reproduction did not increase plant density in monitored populations. Established populations relied upon vegetative reproduction to sequester resources and increase plant density.
Seed biology of rush skeletonweed in sagebrush steppe
Authors: Liao J. D. , Monsen S. B. , Anderson V. J. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea L.) is an invasive, herbaceous, long-lived perennial species of Eurasian or Mediterranean origin now occurring in many locations throughout the world. In the United States, it occupies over 2.5 million ha of rangeland in the pacific Northwest and California. Despite the ecological and economic significance of this species, little is known of the ecology and life history characteristics of North American populations. The purpose of this study was to examine seed germination characteristics of 2 populations of rush skeletonweed in Idaho. Seeds from rush skeletonweed plants in southwestern Idaho were collected during the 1994 and 1995 growing seasons. Mature seeds were harvested on 6 dates between early July and early October 1994, and on 5 dates between early July and late September 1995. Fresh seeds from each harvest period were measured to determine seed weight, total germination, rate of germination, and viability (tetrazolium staining [TZ]) of non-germinating seeds. An aliquot of seeds collected in 1994 was also stored for 1 year to examine the effects of seed storage on germination. In southwestern Idaho, rush skeletonweed produces seeds continuously from mid-July through October. Seeds were capable of immediate germination without scarification or wet prechilling. Total germination generally ranged from 60 to 100% throughout the entire seed production period. Germination was also rapid, reaching 50% of total germination in less than 12 days. In general, germination was higher at the lower incubation temperature regime (20/10 degrees C), perhaps reflecting origins of this species in Mediterranean winter rainfall regions. The TZ testing indicated that 30 to 60% of non-germinating seeds were viable, suggesting that seeds may persist in the soil seed bank. Up to 60% of seeds remained viable following 1 year of storage. Stored seeds generally exhibited higher germination rates (average = 90%) than fresh seeds (average = 67%), indicating possible dormancy and afterripening effects. Germination characteristics of this species are consistent with those of other invasive alien species, and favor rapid population growth leading to community dominance.
Close-range vertical photography for measuring cover changes in perennial grasslands
Authors: Bennett L. T. , Judd T. S. , Adams M. A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

We describe a method of close-range vertical photography and digital image analysis for measuring changes in total projective cover in perennial tussock grasslands of semi-arid Australia. Repeated photographs of permanent plots (1 m2) were classified using supervised image analysis, providing a clear and objective record of the effects of single-burns on grass cover relative to controls. Computer simulations of the photographic set-up indicated that errors due to camera perspective were consistently less than 4% across a range of cover classes. Other errors, including misclassification error, were not quantified because simplified laboratory tasks indicated that conventional field methods, such as point sampling and visual estimation, provided unreliable estimates of grass cover and were therefore not suitable benchmarks for assessing the photographic method. However, the presented data indicate that the photographic method was sufficiently accurate and precise to measure treatment effects over time and to elucidate relationships between independent growth parameters across a range of cover conditions. In addition, the photographic method was inexpensive, involved minimal field time, and utilised commercial software to classify images. It has the clear advantage over more traditional methods of providing outputs that are readily archived for retrospective studies.
Response of incomplete Tifton 9 bahiagrass stands to renovation
Authors: Gates R. N. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Establishment of warm-season grasses from seed is often impeded by slow germination and emergence, and low seedling vigor. Stand development can be further retarded by unfavorable soil moisture resulting from high temperatures and erratic precipitation. Management of poorly established stands of warm-season grasses has received limited research attention. Two- or 3-year old, poorly established stands (basal occupation < 61%) of ‘Tifton 9’ bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge var. saure) at a dry upland site and at a moist lowland site were reseeded (5.6 kgh a-1) in April of 2 different years either without tillage or after rototilling or light disking and compared to a non-seeded control. Our objective was to determine whether any combination of tillage and/or seeding would enhance stand coverage. At the upland site, basal occupation of the control increased from an initial 61 to 80%. No benefit was derived from interseeding, and both tillage treatments resulted in a stand reduction (P < 0.05) after 1 year. At the lowland site, basal occupation increased froman initial 28 to 59% for the control. Similar responses were observed with renovation treatments, but none were greater (P >0.05) than the control. Bahiagrass stands with at least a few plants per m2 should be managed to minimize weed encroachment, but introducing additional seed, with or without tillage, offered no benefit.
Sward quality affected by different grazing pressures on dairy systems
Authors: Mosquera-Losada M. R. , Gonzalez-Rodríguez A. , Rigueiro-Rodriguez A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The objective of the experiment was to examine the effects of different stocking densities (3.7, 4.6, and 5.5 cows ha- l) on tiller density, botanical composition, and chemical (crude protein [CP], acid detergent fiber [ADF], Ca, P, K, and Mg) quality of pasture and the seasonal (before flowering [spring], after flowering [summer], and autumn) distribution of these parameters. Percentages of sown [perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv ‘Brigantia’) and white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv ‘Huia’)] and volunteer species were not significantly affected by stocking density, although as stocking density increased, tiller density also increased. This effect was more pronounced for volunteer species than sown species. Density was significantly higher before flowering than after flowering or autumn. Stocking density affected the chemical quality of herbage with ADF, CP, P, K, and Mg higher at high stocking density. The Ca/P relationship was lower at high stocking density, but the K/(Ca+Mg) relationship was not significantly affected by stocking density. Chemical quality of the pasture was higher before flowering than after flowering or autumn. The Ca/P ratio exceeded the upper limit recommended for dairy cows, but no osteomalacia was found in the presen texperiment. Low values of the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio were found in the spring. Therefore, on these pasture types it is advisable to use concentrates high in Mg or Mg supplements in the spring in order to avoid hypomagnesemia.
Red deer and cattle diet composition in La Pampa, Argentina
Authors: Pordomingo A. J. , Rucci T. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Presence of 2 large herbivores in the same rangeland makes assessment of proper stocking rates and management practices rather complex. This study evaluated composition and overlap of red deer and cattle diets in a semiarid, temperate rangeland of La Pampa province, Argentina. Deer and cattle diets were estimated by microhistological analysis of feces. Fifteen samples were collected for cattle and deer during fall, winter, spring, andsummer of 1994/95 (Period 1) and the same seasons of 1996/97 (Period 2). Red deer and cattle diets were different (P < 0.01) within each sampling season. Diets were also different (P < 0.01) among sampling seasons within each animal species. Red deer were better shrub users than cattle. Deer consumed more than 4 times the amount of shrubs than cattle during all seasons. Shrubs accounted for 28 to 50% of deer diets in most seasons, and from 6 to 12% in cattle diets. Forbs were a variable component of diets. However, red deer harvested more forbs than cattle in most sampling seasons (P < 0.05). Cattle were better grass users than red deer. Cows consumed more (P < 0.05) perennial graminoids in all seasons, and based their diet on cool-season perennial grasses. A trend for red deer to behave as an intermediate feeder, compared with cattle could be suggested. In the environment of our study, deer and cattle diet overlap varied greatly depending on availability of palatable fractions of forbs, shrubs, and grasses. Forb and shrub regrowth would reduce the diet overlap.
Lichen polysaccharides and their relation to reindeer/caribou nutrition
Authors: Svihus B. , Holand Ø. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Samples of Cetraria islandica, Cetraria nivalis, Cladina stellaris,Cladina arbuscula, Cladina rangiferina and Stereocaulon paschalewere collected at 3 sites in 2 mountain areas in Norway. Alectoria ochroleuca was collected at 3 sites in 1 of the mountain areas. Lichens contained between 83 and 93% fiber, measured by the dietary fiber analysis, with Cladina spp. containing significantly more fiber than the other lichen species. The fiber consisted mainly of mannose, galactose, and glucose, but the relative content of each monosaccharide differed between species. Fibers from Cetraria spp.and Alectoria ochroleuca contained significantly more glucose than those from Cladina spp. and Stereocaulon paschale, while Cladina spp. and Stereocaulon paschale contained significantly more mannose and galactose. The higher glucose content in Cetraria spp. And Alectoria ochroleuca was reflected in a high lichenan content in these species, while the Cladina spp. and Stereocaulon paschale contained no lichenan. Solubility of the fiber fraction in hot water was strongly correlated to lichenan content, and great differences existed between species. Less than 5% of the dietary fiber was soluble in lichens of the Cladina genus, while more than 50% of the fiber was soluble in Cetraria islandica and Alectoria ochroleuca. Twenty-one percent of the dietary fiber was soluble in Cetraria nivalis. In vitro gas production experiments using rumen inocula from reindeer revealed a higher gas production rate the first 5 hours of incubation in Cetraria islandica, Cetraria nivalis, and in Alectoria ochroleuca compared to Cladina spp. and Stereocaulon paschale. Maximum production rate was observed at about 13 hours and dropped rapidly thereafter. No systematical differences in gas production rate between lichens species were observed after the initial phase. Differences in gas production rate in the initial phase resulted in higher total gas production in Cetraria islandica, Cetraria nivalis and in Alectoria ochroleuca compared to Cladina spp. and Stereocaulon paschale the first 9 hours of incubation. Total gas production after 52 hours of incubation did not vary between species. Gas production characteristics indicate that the amount of readily fermentable fraction was greater, whereas the amount slowly fermentable fraction was lower in lichens of the Cetraria genus and in Alectoria ochroleuca compared to Cladina spp. and Stereocaulon paschale. The water-soluble fraction is easy available for rumen micro-organisms and the results indicate a close relationship between high gas production in the initial phase and high proportion of water soluble fibers and/or lichenan content. Content, composition, and solubility of the fiber fraction could thus be potentially important factors determining nutritive value of the lichen for reindeer/caribou.
Variations in soil moisture content in a rangeland catchment
Authors: Salve R. , Allen-Diaz B. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Soil water studies for California rangelands have focussed on near-surface hydrologic processes, limiting our understanding of spatial-temporal dynamics of the water regime below the root zone. Soil moisture content and potential were monitored for 16 months in 12 locations in an annual grass dominated 20 ha catchment. The data collected were analyzed by ANOVA to determine significant spatial and temporal differences in soil moisture. Further analysis identified variables that influenced the amount of moisture present at a particular subsurface location. It was determined that there were significant differences in the amount of soil moisture present along the vertical profile of each site and between sites. Soil texture, type of vegetation cover, and elevation were the significant variables that influenced the soil moisture status.
Assessing independence of animal locations with association matrices
Authors: Weber K. T. , Burcham M. , Marcum C. L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

We developed and used association matrix, association pattern, and pattern recognition software (ASSOC1) to investigate the spatio-temporal association of individual radio-collared elk with other radio-collared elk in a study area in western Montana. These procedures were used to approximate the amount of time each individual spent with another individual, and assess the level of independence at which these elk acted. The results of this study will allow wildlife biologists to better understand animal movements and herd dynamics, and evaluate the independence of animal locations for home range calculation and habitat use-availability analysis.
Cattle treading effects on sediment loss and water infiltration
Authors: Russell J. R. , Betteridge K. , Costall D. A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

To quantify effects of forage canopy properties, soil surface relief, and hill slope on the hydrologic properties of the soil in a New Zealand hill land pasture, duplicate plots (15 x 3 m) with 3 canopy heights (6, 20, and 47 mm) were trodden with 0, 4, or 8 mature cows for 40 min on a moderate (15-18 degrees) slope (Trial 1), and similar plots with the low and high canopy heights were trodden by 8 mature cows for 40 min on gentle (8-14 degrees), moderate (15-18 degrees), or moderately steep (20-25 degrees) slopes (Trial 2). Pre- and post-treading measurements included canopy heights; bare soil proportions; soil moisture contents; hoof prints and skids; roughness coefficients, surface water detention storage volumes, and soil clump volumes with a 38-pin contometer; and water infiltration and sediment loss by rainfall simulation. In Trial 1, increasing canopy height resulted in lower (P < 0.01) proportions of bare ground, roughness coefficients, soil clump volumes, and sediment losses. Increasing treading damage resulted in higher (P < 0.05) post-treading roughness coefficients, proportions of bare ground, hoof print and skid densities, surface water detention volumes, and soil clump volumes. In Trial 2, soil hydrologic properties did not differ between canopy height or hill slope treatments. In the two trials, water infiltration rate was significantly related to the roughness coefficient (r2 = 0.31) and the number of hoof prints (r2 = 0.26). Results imply that a 20-mm canopy height of the forage species common on a New Zealand hill land pasture is adequate to minimize the effects of a short-term treading event on soil water infiltration rate and sediment loss.
Sequential sampling protocol for monitoring pasture utilization using stubble height criteria
Authors: Turner D. L. , Clary W. P. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Stubble height, a measure of the amount of vegetation remaining after grazing, is thought to be a useful variable in the management of riparian areas. A number of riparian and grazing processes appear to be directly or indirectly affected by the residual stubble height. Thus, average stubble height is often used to evaluate the livestock impact a pasture has received, particularly in riparian zones. Stubble height sampling methodology has received little previous attention. A sequential sampling procedure for stubble height was investigated. The procedure provides statistically defensible answers in the shortest possible amount of time. The procedure does not require a rigid sample size and involves simple yes/no answers at each observation. A small initial sample of readings is selected and evaluated. If there is sufficient information to make a clear decision, then grazing is either continued or stopped. If the initial evidence does not clearly support either decision, then sampling proceeds. This may continue for several iterations before a decision is reached. Statistically supportable decisions can typically be made within a short time frame using this method. This method may also be applied to evaluate trampling and other yes/no responses.
Range research: The second generation
Authors: Young J. A. , Clements C. D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The decade of the 1920s was somewhat of a paradox for range science. A. W. Sampson published 3 books that were widely used as text for higher education classes in range management. The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service expanded their mandate to manage grazing on National Forest and began to apply the principles of plant ecology and physiology that were being enumerated by range scientists. At the same time millions of acres of public domain outside the National Forest remained as free range and continued to decline in productivity. Progress was made in applying animal behavior technology to improve the uniformity of range forage utilization. This was especially apparent in regard to sheep and goats which were herded on rangelands. The management tools utilized were herding techniques, salt distribution and water developments. Restoration of range productivity and the place of wildfires in range ecosystems remained very controversial subjects.
Cattle preferences for Lambert locoweed over white locoweed
Authors: Ralphs M. H. , Greathouse G. , Knight A. P. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

White (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. in T. G.) and Lambert (O. lambertii var. biglovii Pursh) locoweed grow adjacent to each other on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains from southeastern Wyoming to northeastern New Mexico. Lambert locoweed matures later and flowers about 3-4 weeks after white locoweed, thus potentially increasing the critical period of poisoning when livestock graze areas infested by both species. The objective of this study was to evaluate cattle consumption of these 2 species as they progress phenologically. In 1998, 15 Hereford cows grazed a 32 ha pasture infested with both species from the time white locoweed flowered in mid June until both species were mature and senesced in August. In 1999, 4 cows were placed in a 5 ha pasture infested with both species for 4 days in each of the following periods: (1) flower stage of white locoweed, (2) flower stage of Lambert locoweed, immature pod at white locoweed, (3) immature pod stage of Lambert locoweed, mature pod while (4) mature pod and seed shatter stage respectively. Diets were estimated by bite-count. Lambert locoweed was preferred over white locoweed in the season-long grazing trial in 1998, and in each of the 4 intensive grazing trials in 1999. The cows consumed white locoweed as availability of Lambert locoweed declined in 1998, but little white locoweed was consumed in the 4 intensive grazing trials in 1999. The toxic locoweed alkaloid swainsonine ranged from 0.04 to 0.06% in white locoweed, but was not detected in Lambert locoweed in this study.
Characteristics of nest sites of northern bobwhites in western Oklahoma
Authors: Townsend D. E. II. , Masters R. E. , Lochmiller R. L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Previous authors have described nesting habitat of the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) throughout its range, but few have compared structural or compositional differences of vegetation between nest sites and random non-use sites, and successful and non-successful nests. From 1996-1998, we compared cover and structure of 85 plant species from 80 nest sites of northern bobwhite in western Oklahoma. Nest sites were consistently associated with greater structural complexity than what was available at random. Bobwhites selected nest sites with a greater coverage of grass (ca. 50%) and woody (ca. 20-30%) vegetation with a relatively low percentage of bare ground, presumably because these attributes maximize their chance for successful reproduction by providing protection against weather and predators. Successful nests were more concealed during 1996 and 1997 (12.37 and 10.74% visibility, respectively) than non-successful nest sites (21.6 and 27.65% visibility), but levels of concealment did not differ during 1998. We found no significant differences in vegetation composition or structure between successful and non-successful nest sites.
Species composition on reclaimed ski runs compared with unseeded areas
Authors: Van Ommeren R. J. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The cover of native and non-native introduced plants was compared between seeded (reclaimed) ski runs and adjacent or nearby unseeded (control) areas at a managed ski area in northern Arizona to determine the potential effects of revegetation efforts on plant species composition of the area. Although vegetative cover was similar, plant species richness was significantly lower on reclaimed ski runs compared with control areas. At 3 of 4 sites, the number of plant species was more than 2-fold greater in control areas, although species richness was similar between control and reclaimed areas at 1 site. The proportion of native species was more than 3-fold greater in control areas compared with reclaimed ski runs. The proportion of non-native species was more than 5-fold greater on reclaimed ski runs than in control areas. Although sites differed substantially in time since seeding, no evidence was found at 3 of the 4 sites for either an invasion of non-native species into the native plant community, or significant re-establishment of native species in reclaimed areas. Relatively high biomass of native species on a reclaimed ski run at 1 site appeared to be tied to a low level of initial disturbance and favorable conditions for growth. Results suggested that minimizing initial soil disturbance, retaining topsoil, and maintaining islands or patches of natural vegetation within cleared areas promoted the re-establishment of native species on ski runs.
Economic analysis of using sheep to control leafy spurge
Authors: Bangsund D. A. , Nudell D. J. , Sell R. S. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.), a widely established exotic, noxious, perennial weed, is a major threat to rangeland and wildland in the Upper Great Plains. A deterministic, bioeconomic model, incorporating relationships between sheep grazing and leafy spurge control, grass recovery, and forage consumption by cattle, and expected costs and returns from sheep enterprises was developed to evaluate the economic viability of using sheep to control leafy spurge. Various scenarios were developed depicting likely situations facing cattle ranches adding a sheep enterprise for leafy spurge control. Two levels of flock profitability, one based on a level of proficiency achieved by established sheep ranches and one substantially lower than typically achieved in the sheep industry, were combined with debt and no-debt to represent best- and worst-case scenarios, respectively. In the best-case situations, using sheep to control leafy spurge was economical in all of the scenarios examined. In the worst-case situations, the economics of using sheep to control leafy spurge were mixed across the scenarios examined. Leafy spurge control with poor flock proficiency, high fence expense, and unproductive rangeland generally was not economical. Situations with low fencing costs, moderately productive rangeland, and poor flock proficiency resulted in less economic loss than no treatment. Actual returns from leafy spurge control for most ranchers will likely fall between the extremes examined.
Structural anti-quality characteristics of range and pasture plants
Authors: Laca E. A. , Shipley L. A. , Reid E. D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Structural anti-quality characteristics are physical plant traits that reduce the performance and productivity of herbivores and quality of their agricultural products. Most structural anti-quality characteristics of plants affect the rate at which herbivores gather and ingest forages, reducing the total amount of food obtained or increasing the time necessary to obtain food. Structural anti-quality can substantially influence searching time (e.g., plant crypticity, distribution), cropping time (e.g., plant fibrousness, tensile and shear strength), and bite size (e.g., plant canopy structure, spinescence). Plant structural characteristics can also reduce digestion (e.g., silica), cause injury (e.g., spines, awns, burrs, calluses), or reduce the quality of animal products, such as wool (e.g., propagules). The effects of structural antiquality characteristics depend on the morphology of the herbivore, especially its size, the morphology of the focal plant, and their context within the habitat. Integrated grazing management plans should consider options to reduce the negative effects of structural anti-quality. Carefully selecting appropriate livestock species with previous experience, and the appropriate season of grazing can minimize anti-quality on rangelands. Because structural anti-quality may actually promote sustainability of grazing systems by preventing severe defoliation, or by providing refuges for highly desirable forages, it may not be desirable to completely counteract their effects.
Herbivore response to anti-quality factors in forages
Authors: Launchbaugh K. L. , Provenza F. D. , Pfister J. A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Plants possess a wide variety of compounds and growth forms that are termed "anti-quality" factors because they reduce forage value and deter grazing. Anti-quality attributes can reduce a plant's digestible nutrients and energy or yield toxic effects. Herbivores possess several adaptive mechanisms to lessen the impacts of anti-quality factors. First, herbivores graze selectively to limit consumption of potentially harmful plant compounds. Grazing animals rely on a sophisticated system to detect plant nutritional value or toxicity by relating the flavor of a plant to its positive or negative digestive consequences. Diet selection skills are enhanced by adaptive intake patterns that limit the deleterious effects of plant allelochemicals; these include cautious sampling of sample new foods, consuming a varied diet, and eating plants in a cyclic, intermittent, or carefully regulated fashion. Second, grazing animals possess internal systems that detoxify or tolerate ingested phytotoxins. Animals may eject toxic plant material quickly after ingestion, secrete substances in the mouth or gut to render allelochemicals inert, rely on rumen microbes to detoxify allelochemicals, absorb phytochemicals from the gut and detoxified them in body tissues, or develop a tolerance to the toxic effects of plant allelochemicals. Understanding the behavioral and metabolic abilities of herbivores suggests several livestock management practices to help animals contend with plant anti-quality characteristics. These practices include offering animals proper early life experiences, selecting the appropriate livestock species and individuals, breeding animals with desired attributes, and offering nutritional or pharmaceutical products to aid in digestion and detoxification.
Upland erosion under a simulated most damaging storm
Authors: Linse S. J. , Mergen D. E. , Smith J. L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

A 2 year study was conducted to determine the effects of surface cover and roughness on sediment yield from plots subjected to a simulated most damaging storm. This storm, based on long term sediment records from 3 Wyoming streams, produced approximately 18 mm of precipitation in 15 min with an intensity of 97 mm hour(-1). The rainfall simulator covered 2 plots; each 0.6 by 2 m. Plots were on 9% slopes with highly erosive soils (silt and fine sand texture) on native rangeland in 3 areas of Wyoming. Cover and surface roughness were measured with a point frame. Sediment production typically peaked approximately 120 sec after runoff started and reached steady state within 6 min. Plots with no cover (tilled) seldom produced runoff due to high infiltration and the short duration rainfall. Sediment yield was moderately correlated with total cover for total cover less than 30%, and sediment yield decreased to 0.1 tonnes ha(-1) (assumed allowable soil loss) or less for greater than 30% cover. There was a weak correlation between surface roughness and sediment yield, and surface roughness was slightly correlated with total cover. These results suggested that maintaining at least 30% total cover could control sediment yields from short duration-intense storms. Experimental results also indicated considerably higher sediment yields than those predicted by the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation or a modified version of that equation.