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Grazing
Riparian Areas - Determining Season(s)
of Use
Hot
Season (Mid-summer) Grazing
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Figure
3-6
Deferring use until fall will allow time for soils to
dry out and become less vulnerable to compaction. |
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Best
Situations. The following situations are most likely
to avoid deterioration of a riparian area during this period:
- When
the operator closely monitors conditions in the riparian area,
and the period of grazing is limited in duration and frequency;
- When
effective management actions are taken to encourage livestock
to move out of the riparian area;
- When
time of removal and climatic conditions provide opportunity for
regrowth or livestock are not put into the pasture on an annual
basis or at the same stage of plant growth each year;
- When
upland plant communities are dominated by warm season species
(cold season species will be mature and less palatable at this
time).
Advantages.
Possible advantages to hot-season (mid-summer) grazing may include:
- Drier
and hence more stable streambanks;
- Riparian
areas usually have enough moisture for regrowth of vegetation
after grazing ceases;
- Higher
palatability of riparian forage compared to upland vegetation;
Substantial growth can occur during early season before grazing
begins.
Disadvantages.
Disadvantages of grazing during this period include:
- The
greater tendency of livestock to remain in the riparian area,
especially if shade is available;
- Reduced
plant vigor and possible changes in riparian vegetation communities
due to the more intense use that results, especially removal of
growing points and immature seed heads;
- Possible
damage to trees and shrubs from animals seeking shade and protection
from flies.
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