Soil Moisture, Forage, and Beef Production Benefits from Gambel Oak Control in Southwestern Colorado

Abstract

Controlling Gambel oak and other brushy species with herbicides can produce benefits to the stockman. Increased forage and beef production are products of a good brush control practice. A high percentage of oak control is necessary to offset regrowth by sprouting. Soil moisture was significantly increased in the top five feet of soil during the summer months by controlling the oak. Forage production was doubled with a five-year period. Animal weight gains per acre nearly doubled as a result of brush control on Gambel oak rangeland.