Targeted livestock grazing has emerged as a successful and cost-efficient method to manage cheatgrass in the U.S. western Great Plains, according to a recent study. The key is to time the grazing to coincide with cheatgrass growth, rather than following a set calendar schedule. This approach can significantly reduce cheatgrass seed production and enhance cattle weight gains. To learn more about this innovative technique, check out the study published in Rangeland Ecology & Management.
The Timing was Right for Targeted Grazing
The timing of targeted grazing is key, and is largely dependent on cheatgrass phenology. Studies have found that cattle will graze on cheatgrass when it is at a height of 4 inches and going into or soon to be flowering,which lasts about six weeks. The approach can cut cheatgrass seed production by 77% compared to summer grazing. Accordingly, altering grazing practices to coincide with phenology of cheatgrass can be a potential management strategy. Also, this practice, the qding method,l which contributes positively to bovine weight gain in the spring period; raised diet quality.
Cheatgrass Management through Targeted Grazing
Over the long term, this kind of targeted grazing in early spring will substantially reduce cheatgrass seed production and ultimately cheatgrass competitiveness as a plant. Providing information on cheatgrass height at the beginning of the grazing window together with seed maturity a little later helps ranchers time their grazing period to exploit it for high efficacy. Research has found that cattle graze cheatgrass for a longer period when it is in a more palatable state, and targeted grazing was determined to be an effective form of invasive species removal as it increases the available resources for future generations. This extended grazing period improves cheatgrass control and overall pasture health.
Future Implications and Directions of the Research
The next step for researchers is to investigate the factors that affect the success of targeted grazing on cheatgrass seed production. Knowing when grazing has the biggest bang means that farmers can be particular about their timing of it. Cheatgrass management efficacy may vary temporally, depending on environmental conditions. As the effects of cattle grazing on cheatgrass growth continue to be investigated down stream, scientists may refine this inexpensive opportunity for long-term sustainability.
