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ANNUAL RANGELAND GRAZING MANAGEMENT
Production of annual-dominated rangelands is controlled primarily by weather and site conditions, and does not respond significantly to intensive grazing management systems.
Grazing management of annual rangelands emphasisizes maintenance of adequate residue and efficient use of forage to encourage deired forage species and to ensure adequate soil protection.
Moderate grazing has been shown to be the most efficient grazing practice. Close grazing reduces range forage production as well as the efficiency of cattle production.
RDM levels in the fall can influence production the following growing season.
Most improvements in animal production per acre on annual rangeland attributed to intensive grazing management are the result of increased utilization of forage not an increase in forage production.
Several changes in ranch productivity have been documented under intensive grazing management including: increased stocking rate that resulted in increased animal productivity per acre, reduced fall and winter hay feeding, improved vigor of native and introduced perennial grasses and reduction in some weed populations.
Web Sites
Management Publications
- Bartolome J.W., W.E. Frost, N.K. McDougald and J.M. Connor. 2002. California Guidelines for Residual Dry Matter (RDM) Management on Coastal and Foothill Annual Rangelands. Rangeland Monitoring Series, University of California Ag and Nat Res Pub 8092. Oakland, CA. 8 p.
- George, M. R. Grazing and land management strategies for hardwood rangelands. Symposium on Oak Woodlands and Hardwood Rangeland Management. Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Univ. of Calif., Davis. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-126. pp. 315-319.
- George, M. R. , R. S. Knight, P. B. Sands, and M. W. Demment. 1989. Intensive grazing increases beef production. Calif. Agric. 43(5):16-19.
- George, M.R. , W. Frost, N. K. McDougald, J. M. Connor, J. Bartolome, R. Standiford, J. Maas, R. Timm. Livestock and grazing management. In: R. Standiford (Tech. Coord.), Pamela Tinnin (Editor). 1996. Guidelines for Managing California’s Hardwood Rangelands. IHRMP, Div. of Agric. & Nat. Res., University of California. Publication 3368:51-67.
- Hormay, August L. Moderate Grazing Pays on California Annual-Type Ranges. 1944. Leaflet No. 239, USDA Forest Service, Washington D.C. 8 pgs.
Scientific Publications
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