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Final Report: The effects of packstock grazing on
a dry, high elevation meadow
by K M Olson-Rutz1,
C B Marlow1, K Hansen2, L C Gagnon1, and
R Rossi3
OBJECTIVE:Grazing impacts are influenced by
meadow type, handling method (picket, hobble, electric
fence enclosure), and the duration, season, frequency
within season, and yearly frequency of grazing. We examined
the interaction between packstock grazing intensity,
frequency and month of use on the stability of a high
elevation meadow's soil and vegetation complex. We worked
on a dry meadow with picketed horses to match common
handling practices. Grazing duration and frequency were
systematically increased to determine the level of use
at which changes in meadow soil penetration resistance,
ground cover and plant growth occur.
1 Dept. Animal and Range Sci., 2 Dept. Earth Sci.,
Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, 3 Dept.
Statistics, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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