Grazing has been shown to accelerate recovery of poor condition rangelands [1]. Although introduced species have been shown to be favored by livestock, native species can provide adequate protein and palatability for a variety of grazing animals [2]. The presence of livestock might actually enhance seedling emergence, through seed burial and the facilitation of microclimates that accompany trampling and nutrient deposition, but this approach appears to be most effective in moderate to dry years [3].
Resources
- Overview on Livestock Grazing, Rest, and Restoration in Aird Landscapes
- Overview on Grazing as a Technique for Prairie Restoration, University of Minnesota
- Guidelines for Native Grassland Restoration Projects, Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Rangeland resources for Western North America
- Grazing management for soils
- Rangeland Restoration: Model Summary And Toolkit Guide
- NRCS guide to pasture condition scoring