Complex sentence: The removal of grass by grazing affects the woody plant component of woodland systems in two major ways: grasses compete with woody plants for water in the topsoil and their removal reduces this competitive effect, potentially boosting tree growth.
Split into simpler sentences: The removal of grass by grazing affects the woody plant component of woodland systems in two major ways. Grasses compete with woody plants for water in the topsoil and removal by grazing reduces this competitive effect, potentially boosting tree growth.