Unless you began destocking by about the first of July, you are running the risk of causing long-term damage to the range grasses by overgrazing. Meanwhile, grass roots gather raw materials, water, nitrates and minerals that are converted into plant food by the leaves. Roots also serve as storehouses for food. This food is essential for regrowth. Some 95 percent of plant food is taken in from the air, with 5 percent taken from the soil.
Short roots mean less future grass production.
So overgrazing not only destroys the leaves but the roots as well. A key species is defined as a grass livestock readily consume that is routinely found across the pasture. Sideoats grama would be a key species on a properly managed rangeland, while buffalograss may be the key species if other grasses are not available. The pasture grazed should then be allowed to regrow to the height it was when the livestock were admitted. Proper stocking rate of acres per animal unit also is based on the pounds of grass produced by a pasture.