Decomposition of Common Curlymesquite Herbage on Edwards Plateau Rangeland, Texas

Abstract

Decomposition of common curlymesquite herbage from a continuously, heavily grazed pasture and one pasture of a 4-pasture deferred rotation grazing system was investigated on the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Decomposition of herbage in litterbags was similar for both pastures. Approximately 40% of the original herbage weight was lost during the 345-day study. Average decomposition rate was 2.19 mg/g/day. Rate of decomposition during a 238-day period was significantly related to antecedent potential evaporation and precipitation since the preceding collection date and cumulative time. Percentage nitrogen and percentage ash content increased while percentage carbon and carbon/nitrogen ratio decreased over time in the decomposing herbage.