Life Expectancy of a Sagebrush Control in Central Wyoming

Abstract

On grazed range in the Beaver Rim Area of Wyoming the density of young and mature sagebrush plants began to increase within 5 years after spraying and within 14 years there were more plants present than on adjoining unsprayed areas. On ungrazed ranges 17 years after spraying the number of mature and young plants was about the same as on adjoining unsprayed ranges. Increased herbage production on ungrazed ranges was nullified within 6 years after spraying. During the 17 years after spraying, there was a reversal in the relative composition of bunchgrasses vs. sod grasses in ungrazed exclosures.