The effect of cattle grazing on ponderosa pine regeneration

Abstract

A study was established on the Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho to assess the effects of cattle grazing on the performance of a new Pinus ponderosa plantation. Mortality and damage to tree seedlings from cattle resulted primarily from trampling rather than from browsing. Some 5.5% of the seedlings were damaged by cattle, of which 3.6% died. Browsing by deer and elk caused the most growth loss. Total mortality to tree seedlings resulting from all sources of damage was 43.6% for the grazed treatment and 25.3% for the non-grazed treatment. -from Authors