Standing crop patterns under short duration grazing in northern Mexico

Abstract

Patterns of end-of-season standing crop were evaluated during a 4-year period on an oak-bunchgrass range site under short-duration grazing in northern Mexico. Patterns were determined as a function of reduction of standing crop biomass of grasses within strata (300 m each) from a central watering point. Significant differences in end-of-season standing crop (P<0.05) were found among the strata. Four-year average standing crop biomass was 383 kg/ha within 300 m from the central watering point; whereas, standing crop biomass was 538, 691, 855, and 805 kg/ha within strata 300-600, 600-900, 900-1,200, and 1,200-1,500 m from the central watering point, respectively.