Effect of summer cattle grazing on aspen stem injury, mortality and growth

Abstract

Conflicts may arise between cattle and aspen fibre production if both occur on the same landbase. The effect of cattle on aspen regeneration was evaluated by determining the effect of four treatments (No grazing, June-only grazing, July-only grazing and continuous June-July grazing on five variables (aspen height and density, percentage of aspen trampled, foraged and dead). Continuous June-July grazing impeded aspen regeneration relative to the control. The effect of cattle on aspen mortality was likely indirect, rather than a consequence of foraging and trampling. Reducing stocking levels or delaying cattle grazing may be necessary to reduce the adverse effect of cattle grazing on aspen regeneration. Key words: grazing, cattle, aspen, regeneration, browsing, trampling