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1 September 2013 Preliminary Evidence that Patch Burn-Grazing Creates Spatially Heterogeneous Habitat Structure in Old-Field Grassland
Devan Allen McGranahan, Gina M. Raicovich, W. Nathan Wilson, C. Kenneth Smith
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Abstract

Heterogeneity created through patchy disturbance is an important component of grassland conservation, but little research has focused on patch burn-grazing in grassland of the eastern United States. To test the viability of patch burn-grazing in a Tall Fescue-invaded old-field grassland on the Cumberland Plateau, we conducted a prescribed patch burn, stocked cattle, and measured vegetation structure and plant functional group composition. We found that patch burn-grazing creates spatial heterogeneity (patch contrast) for grass height, litter cover, bare ground, and canopy cover of native and exotic grasses. These results suggest that patch burn-grazing is a viable tool for heterogeneity-based grassland management in the region.

Devan Allen McGranahan, Gina M. Raicovich, W. Nathan Wilson, and C. Kenneth Smith "Preliminary Evidence that Patch Burn-Grazing Creates Spatially Heterogeneous Habitat Structure in Old-Field Grassland," Southeastern Naturalist 12(3), 655-660, (1 September 2013). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.012.0317
Published: 1 September 2013
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