Range Improvement Following Chaining of South Texas Mixed Brush

Abstract

Double chaining followed by raking and stacking heavy stands of south Texas mixed brush was more effective than double chaining alone or chaining one way, based on comparative degree of brush control, range forage production, and forage consumption by livestock. In a brush stand composed primarily of honey mesquite, spiny hackberry, and lime pricklyash, double chaining followed by raking and stacking reduced woody plant densities by 88%, increased oven-dry forage production by over 1,600 kg/ha, and increased forage consumption by 950 kg/ha as compared to untreated areas a year after treatment. Double chaining alone was less effective than double chaining, raking, and stacking in promoting forage production and consumption and did not improve management efficiency. Chaining one way was not considered an effective practice.