Effects of Grazing on a Hardland Site in the Southern High Plains

Abstract

The vegetation and soil characteristics of an ungrazed butte are compared with those of a similar site on an adjacent High Plains area. Woody plant cover was greater and more diverse on the butte while herbaceous vegetation was more productive and of higher quality. Species composition and production was representative of shallow hardlands of the Southern High Plains region. Soil characteristic differences reflected the detrimental influence of continued herbage removal and trampling by livestock on the grazed area.