Range Condition Classification Based on Regressions of Herbage Yields on Summer Stocking Rates

Abstract

Vegetation on a clay upland range site in the Kansas 20- to 24-inch precipitation zone was differentially stocked at three rates with yearling cattle for 20 summer grazing seasons. Applications of the currently accepted range condition classification system on yield data for the last 10 grazing seasons indicated need for improvements in classifying range condition for this site. With existing range condition classification concepts, it appeared impossible either to reduce vegetation to poor condition or to maintain excellent range condition under summer grazing. Much of the difficulty was caused by herbaceous species not responding to grazing (decrease, increase, or invade) as classified in the condition guide. A modified range condition classification system incorporating re-evaluated responses of species to grazing was developed from yield regressions and compared with the existing system. The proposed method gave somewhat more consistent condition evaluations and better separation of test pastures into condition classes than the method currently used.