Influences of various grazing systems on community biomass of a desert grassland in Inner Mongolia,China

This study investigated the effects of various grazing systems, including continuous grazing, rotational grazing, and no-grazing systems, on the community biomass in the Stipa breviflora Griseb desert grassland during the grazing seasons in 2005, 2006, and 2007, based on study sites established in 1999. We found that the seasonal dynamics of the aboveground biomass were quite similar among the three treatments, which reached peak values in period from August to September during each study year. The continuous grazing system reduced the aboveground biomass from 2005 to 2007 under drought conditions, and the rotational grazing and no-grazing systems maintained more aboveground biomass than the continuous grazing system did. The belowground biomass declined with the increase of soil depth among the three treatments, and in the surface 20-cm soil layer it accounted for more than 60% of the total biomass. The belowground biomass was found to be highly correlated with soil depth under rotational grazing. The total belowground biomass within the 0--100-cm soil layer for rotational grazing was sig- nificantly higher than for continuous grazing and no-grazing, and had 15,775 kg/ha more biomass. Our results demonstrate that conservative rotational grazing can alleviate grassland deterioration by reserving more aboveground and belowground biomass than the continuous grazing system does.

Effects of holistic grazing management on milk production,weight gain,and visitation to grazing areas by livestock and wildlife in Laikipia County,Kenya

Background:Grazing is an important management tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems and improving rangelands productivity.However,its effectiveness for this purpose is dependent on timing and frequency of grazing,as well as the type of animal.Understanding the effects of grazing management on rangeland ecosystems is critical in ensuring sustainable use of grazing resources and enhanced livestock production.This study assessed the effects of holistic grazing on animal productivity and range use pattern in Laikipia County of Kenya.Results:The results revealed that the average milk yields(106±20.1)of animals in holistic grazing areas(HGA)were significantly(p<0.05)higher than those in traditional grazing areas(TGA)(101±20.1).Weight gain of animals in HGA was significantly(0.13±0.01)higher as compared to those in TGA(0.07±0.01).The number of livestock grazing was significantly(p<0.05)higher in HGA(74±10%)than those in TGA(57±10%).In addition,the number of wildlife grazing was significantly(p<0.05)higher in HGA(74±18%)than in TGA(32±18%).Conclusions:The results indicate that holistic grazing management has the potential to improve animal performance,as well as condition of range areas as evident in the preference shown by frequent visits to HGA by both livestock and wildlife.