Ecology of Grassland Utilization in a Mixed Prairie

Abstract

has resulted in severe erosion and further depletion of the soil. It is becoming more apparent that further research is needed to find systems of management of native grasses and grasslands that will increase their production in terms of beef. Assurance of a stable and relatively high income from use of native and introduced grasses would encourage their wide reestablishment and discourage further exploitation of the soil. This seems highly desirable in view of our diminishing soil resources. A correlation of various ecological relationships of vegetation with its utilization is of considerable practical value, but this type of research is handicapped by a lack of practical accurate methods of estimating utilization. Furthermore it is often difficult to obtain accurate data on number of animal units and gain in weight, especially under haphazard methods of management common to many small farm units. The purpose of the present study, which was carried out in the college pasture near Hays, Kansas, from 1947 to 1950 inclusive, was to determine some of the ecological relationships of a typical mixed-grass pasture under nmoderate utilization. An attempt has been made to correlate rainfall, soil moisture, growth, yield, moisture content, protein content, and utilization of vegetation, and yield of beef. The cattle herd, which consisted of Herefords of both sexes and various ages, was typical of that maintained by many ranchers. REVIEW OF LITERATURE