Barrier Effect of the Shrub Elaeagnus commutata on Grazing Cattle and Forage Production in Central Alberta

Abstract

Excellent condition range occurred under silverberry shrubs while fair to good condition range occurred between shrubs. The herbaceous layer dominants, rough fescue and western porcupine grass, produced nearly twice as much under shrubs. Forb increasers had a lower frequency and produced less herbage under shrubs. Silverberry is an increaser but the barrier effect it has on grazing cattle permitted a small patch of grassland directly beneath each shrub to return to near-climax condition.