Great Basin Naturalist
Article Title
Response of winterfat (Ceratoides lanata) communities to release from grazing pressure
Abstract
Sixteen study sites were established in grazed and ungrazed stands of winterfat in Kane County, Utah. The area is located within the winter range of cattle and along U.S. Highway 89 between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona. Road construction in 1957 dissected several winterfat communities, and following fencing part of the communities were released from grazing. Differences in species composition, vegetation, and soil characteristics between grazed and ungrazed sites were assessed. Major differences in site characteristics appeared due to the influence of winter grazing by cattle. Winterfat and Indian ricegrass showed increased cover on the nongrazed sites following release from grazing pressure. Winterfat also showed significant negative interspecific association patterns with all major species.
Recommended Citation
Rasmussen, Lars L. and Brotherson, Jack D.
(1986)
"Response of winterfat (Ceratoides lanata) communities to release from grazing pressure,"
Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46:
No.
1, Article 15.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss1/15