Effects of Grazing on Restoration of Southern Mixed Prairie Soils

摘要: A comparative analysis of soils and vegetation from cultivated areas reseeded to native grasses prairies that have not been was conducted evaluate restoration southern mixed prairie the Great Plains over past 30 50 years. Restored sites were within large tracts part long-term grazing intensity treatments (heavy, moderate, ungrazed), allowing evaluation effects on restoration. Our objective restored subjected heavy moderate regimes determine if soil nutrients land recovered after years management similar surrounding identify interactive influence different levels history cultivation plant functional group composition in prairies. For this prairie, nitrogen carbon previously 40% lower than uncultivated prairies, indicating In addition, it appears alters extent recovery these grassland as indicated by significant interaction between for carbon. Management livestock is likely a critical factor determining potential Heavy reduces rate nutrient organic matter accumulation. These are largely due changes (reduced tallgrasses), reduced litter accumulation, high cover bare ground heavily grazed However, evident study regardless intensity, requires many decades possibly external inputs adequately restore matter, carbon, nitrogen.