Grass, Trees, and Cattle on Clearcut-Logged Areas

Abstract

Generally, the presence of domestic grass had little effect on germination or survival of conifers on clearcut-logged areas, except where the stand of grass became overly dense. In cases where inhibiting effects were apparent, the competition from native vegetation was of as much consequence as the competition from domestic grasses. Results of the study suggest that where numbers of cattle and period of grazing were adequately controlled, damage to lodgepole pine and spruce seedlings were negligible. Damage was a result of repeated trampling rather than browsing. Poor cattle management in some situations resulted in overutilization of forage and large numbers of lodgepole pine seedlings were killed or damaged. However, the number was often insignificant in relation to the mortality of seedlings from natural causes. In a grazing trial the 4-year average daily weight gains were 0.64 kg for calves and 0.13 kg for their dams. Using the average weight gains and stocking rates, the pastures returned 60 kg of beef/ha/yr.