Solar Grasslands Grasslands provide food and cover for many types of wildlife. The greater prairie chicken, upland sandpiper, and meadowlark are open grassland nesters. Rabbits, bobwhite quail, turkeys, and pheasants also nest in grasslands, but prefer areas near woods or brush. Grasslands are also important in controlling soil erosion and improving runoff water quality.
Management is usually necessary to keep grasslands productive.
When grasslands are left idle, forage production is reduced as ground litter builds up. This buildup restricts movement of wildlife, such as quail and rabbits. Several techniques are available to improve wildlife conditions in grassland, including grazing, haying, fertilizer, overseeding with legumes, and prescribed burning. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of the Missouri Dept. of Conservation is prohibited.