Grazing and Fertilization Affect Root Development of Range Grasses

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Abstract
Two pastures were sampled to compare root development and distribution. One pasture had been heavily grazed and the other moderately grazed since 1916. The mixed prairie vegetation is dominated by Agropyron smithii, Stipa comata, Bouteloua gracilis [HBK.] and Carex spp. but continuous heavy use reduced the A. smithii and S. comata leaving B. gracilis and Carex spp. as the dominants in the heavily grazed pasture. Grazing intensity had little effect on total root weight, but under heavy grazing the percentage of total roots in the upper foot was greater than under moderate grazing. Thirty pounds of N significantly increased root weight in the 4-ft profile. Ninety pounds of N did not further increase root weight although top growth was significantly increased.

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