Chapter 12: Range Management and Multiple Use

Transcription

1 Chapter 12: Range Management and Multiple Use 1. Herbage residue and multiple use 2. Range watershed management a. Infiltration b. Runoff c. Erosion d. Importance of mulch 3. Timber production and grazing 4. Recreational use of rangelands a. Ranching and urbanization b. Scenic beauty and range management c. Opportunities for ranchers 5. Conflict resolution

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4 Water table Fig 2. A simplified diagram of the hydrologic cycle

5 RANGE CONDITION FIG 3. Effect of Vegetation Cover on Runoff and Erosion (Adapted from Bailey and Copeland, 1961)

6 FIG 4. Average Erosion from Plots under Different Grazing Intensities before grazing ( ) and After Grazing ( ) on pine-bunchgrass in Colorado (Adapted from Dunford 1942 by Branson et al.)

7 Table 1. Standing air-dry herbage, mulch and rate of water intake on heavily, moderate and lightly grazed watersheds in South Dakota Grazing Total Water Intensity Herbage Mulch Intake rate (Lb/ac) (Lb/ac) (In/hr) Heavy Moderate Light Source: Data from Rauzi and Hanson, 1966

8 Water Production and Range Management 1. Soil cover largely determines the extent of soil erosion. 2. Moderate to light grazing can be used to increase water yields because transpiration is reduced. 3. Moderate to light grazing has little effect on water quality of streams in terms of bacteria.

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10 Vegetation Impacts The herbivorous nature of grazing animals clearly results in the removal of a portion of the vegetation. Removal of vegetation affects aggregate stability in several ways: * A decrease in cover reduces interception. Consequently, less kinetic energy is dissipated prior to striking the soil with the consequence that greater force per storm is applied to the soil tending to break aggregate bonds.

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17 Table 2. Infiltration rate and sediment production in relation to stocking rate and soil water content at the time of trampling on the Edwards Plateau, Texas (Adapted by Warren et al ) Stocking Trampled dry Trampled moist Infiltration rate (mm/ hr) x x x Sediment Production (kg/ ha) x x x

18 FIG. 5. Conceptual Architecture of a Soil Aggregate and the Changes in Soil Aggregate Structure Caused by Trampling under Wet and dry Conditions.

19 Vegetation Impacts cont. * A decrease in above-ground biomass (standing crop and litter) results in less organic matter eventually being incorporated into the soil. As previously discussed, organic matter is an important factor in aggregate formation and stability. * A decrease in above-ground biomass is eventually mirrored by a decrease in root biomass. Grass roots creates a network physically binding soil particles together. Furthermore, grass roots induce aggregate formation by exuding biochemical byproducts which bind soil particles and distribute organic matter throughout the soil profile.

20 Recreation and Range Management 1. Sale of range for second homes has been the most serious impact. 2. Offroard vehicle traffic can be far more destructive than livestock grazing.

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26 Timber Production and Range Management 1. Young trees receive the most damage from grazing animals because they are within easy reach. 2. Trampling effects on tree seedlings may be much more damaging than browsing. 3. Under moderate or light use little damage occurs to coniferous trees by either cattle or sheep grazing. 4. Deciduous trees are more susceptible to damage from browsing than conifers. 5. Sheep if herded are less damaging than cattle; if unherded sheep and goats are much more damaging than cattle.

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29 Timber Production and Range Management cont. 6. Wild herbivores such as elk and deer are often much more damaging to trees than livestock because they (deer particularly) often prefer browse. 7. Heavy grazing may actually improve the germination of some tree species. 8. Grazing can improve tree establishment by reducing under story competition. 9. Grazing of under story reduces the fire hazard.

30 Timber Production and Range Management cont. 10. Timber management for livestock and wildlife: a) cut timber heavily enough to release under story vegetation. b) cut large enough acreages so that grazing will be light to moderate on the cutover area. c) thin pole sized stands to increase forage production and production of usable timber. d) do not graze heavily. e) stock with animal that least prefers the desired tree species.

31 Factors Determining the Degree to Which Herbivores Affect the Establishment and Growth of Timber Stands: 1. Kind of animal 2. Density of animals 3. Kind of timber 4. Age of the stand 5. Availability of alternative forage

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36 10 primary Options in Grazing Management for Riparian Zone 1. Do nothing 2. Improve distribution by obtaining greater upland use with the existing system; i.e. reduce use in riparian zone. 3. Change season of use. 4. Implement specialized grazing seasons or systems to restore riparian zones and improve distribution in the uplands. 5. Rest entire grazing unit for 5 years or until target levels of recovery in riparian zones have been achieved.

37 10 primary Options in Grazing Management for Riparian Zone cont. 6. Fence meadow flood plain to control use of entire riparian zone (and, consequently, the uplands) riparian pasture 7. Fence streamside corridors for preservation of complete habitat (provide access to water where needed). 8. Combine two or more of above solutions. 9. Revegetate with woody cover and apply 5, 6, or Eliminate grazing.

38 Coordinated Resource Management and Dispute resolution Coordinated Resource Management widely used in western states to deal with multiple use conflicts brings together public and private interests to resolve multiple-use and land management conflicts using reasoned scientific analysis, bargaining, and compromise. Dispute resolution involves bringing together parties in disagreement to participate in joint decision making processes that seek win-win solutions and avoid litigation.