Vegetative Response under Various Grazing Management Systems in the Edwards Plateau of Texas

Abstract

Forage production under five different grazing management schemes was compared after 20 years of treatment in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. Results from this study showed that: (1) a more dense ground cover does not always result in higher forage production; (2) forage yields and litter accumulation were lower on a natural area than under deferred rotation or light grazing; (3) greatest amounts of decreaser plants were found in deferred rotation pastures; (4) natural areas have limited value in range research since they do not respond in comparative patterns; and (5) the 4-pasture deferred rotation system produced the most desirable livestock and wildlife habitat for the Edwards Plateau region of Texas.