Part 2: Basic Rangeland Ecology

How Grazing Affects Plants

Grazing can have both positive and negative impacts on plant growth

Positive impacts of grazing

• Removes dead plant material allowing for growth of new material
• Induces the formation of tillers by plant hormones
• Helps disperse seeds

Negative Impacts

• Reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the plant by decreasing leaf area
• Decreased photosynthesis can lead to diminished root growth; adequate root growth is essential for plant post-grazing recovery
• Decreases seed production