Date of Award
2015
Publisher
North Dakota State University
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Awarded
Master of Science (MS)
Program
Range Science
Department
School of Natural Resource Sciences
College
Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources
Faculty Advisor
Sedivec, Kevin K.
Description
The Grand River District in South Dakota has a high proportion of underutilized crested wheatgrass within native rangelands. Prescribed fire is rarely used for management; although, there is a strong evolutionary relationship with fire and grazing. Our project entailed two studies, the first looking at targeted grazing with cattle and second the effects of an April wildfire on plant species composition, basal cover, and phytomass production. The wildfire and targeted grazing did not affect (p > 0.05) plant species composition or phytomass production four and 16 months after treatment (MAT). Targeted grazing increased (p ≤ 0.05) crested wheatgrass utilization, but did not reduce (p >0.05) basal or canopy cover. Fire was ineffective (p > 0.05) at decreasing crested wheatgrass frequency. Fire increased (p ≤ 0.05) bare ground and decreased (p ≤ 0.05) litter cover four and 16 MAT. Multiple treatments may be more effective at controlling crested wheatgrass.
Recommended Citation
Kral, Katherine Claire-Ann, "Impact of Wildfire and Targeted Grazing Effects on Northern Great Plains Range and Pasture Lands" (2015). Range Science. 32.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/range-sci/32
Rights
NDSU policy 190.6.2
Rights Link
https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf
Handle Identifier
https://hdl.handle.net/10365/27549