Effects of spring grazing by greater snow geese on hay production

摘要: (1) The effects of spring grazing by the greater snow goose (Chen caerulescens atlantica, Linnaeus) on hay production were studied in a 283 ha agricultural area at Montmagny, Quebec. A flock 13 500 staging birds used between 1 April and 19 May 1980. (2) measurements obtained fifty-one sampling stations randomly located two major habitat types: first-year or new hayfields (sixteen) older (thirty-five). Each station contained fenced an unfenced plot (1.5 x 5.5 m) permanent strip transect which utilization was monitored dropping counts made every 4 days. Grass height total harvestable biomass (in g dry matter per square metre, DM m-2) measured immediately after departure (19 May) harvest time (28 June). (3) In all instances, bore significant inverse relationship to prior utilization. reduction yield June as consequence geese amounted 47.1 m-2 represents estimated 125 t 14.3% potential first crop for 213 productive areas within study area.