Grazing effects on a desert grassland

TitleGrazing effects on a desert grassland
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication1975
AuthorsGil HIbarra
Number of Pages37
Date Published1975
UniversityNew Mexico State University
CityLas Cruces, New Mexico
Thesis TypeM.S. Thesispp
Call Number00143
Keywordscattle grazing, effects on plants, dissertation, dissertations, plant, grazing effects, theses, thesis
AbstractGrazing effects were studied on aerial and underground phytomass, soil cover condition, and on bulk density, organic matter and texture of the soil, on the New Mexico State University Ranch near Las Cruces in August 1975. Total phytomass was not significantly different (P> 0.1) between ungrazed and grazed treatment. However, grazing did change its composition. Grasses made up 78.7 percent and 7.3 percent; forbs 21.3 percent and 92.7 percent of the total phytomass on the ungrazed and grazed areas, respectively. Fluff grass was the only grass that increased in absolute value on the grazed area. Black grama was the most affected grass, decreasing from 483.8 kg/ha on the ungrazed area to 1.6 kg/ha on the grazed area. Total forb phytomass was higher (P