Effects of short-duration grazing trampling on seedling emergence and soil strength

Emergence of broadcast-seeded kleingrass (Panicum COloratum L. 'Selection 75') and of native annual forbs and grasses was compared for two seasons in short-duration grazed areas and ungrazed exclosures. Stocking rate in short-duration grazed areas was 2.0 and 1.5 times recommended in 1985 and 1986, respectively. Kleingrass emergence was similar between treatments in both years. Emergence was unrelated to percent foliar cover of preexisting vegetation. In both study years, soil strength was greater in grazed areas. Short-duration grazing provided no beneficial effect on kleingrass emergence or soil strength in either year. Emergence did not differ by treatment in either year for five of ten species of annual forbs and two species of annual grass. Common broomweed fXanthocephalum dracunculoides (DC.) Shinners.], Texas filaree (Erodium texanum Gray.), and meadow flax FLinum pratense (Nort.) Small.] were more abundant in the grazed treatment in one year, while bitterweed (Hymenoxys odorata DC.) emerged more frequently in ungrazed areas in one season. Short-duration grazing at the stocking rates used did not consistently improve or harm emergence of any of the annual species studied.