A recent study done by the University of Idaho Rangeland Center discusses a grazing recovery period for rangeland after a fire compared to no recovery period. According to the study, a two-year recovery period on grazing land is customary among rangeland managers but may no longer be necessary.
The study: “Precipitation and Grazing Utilization Influence Postfire Herbaceous Plant Cover: A Meta-Analysis on Grazing After Fire,” selected 18 different studies to analyze the two-year rest period. Most of these articles selected were conducted within the Western United States.
The researchers found that a two-year rest period after a fire did not affect perennial grass cover. The study also found that grazing right after a fire reduced the percentage of annual grass cover compared to resting for two years, but this depended on precipitation and grazing utilization.
According to the study, grazing did not affect forb cover percentage after a fire. In an interview with UI, Eric Winford said that “Well-managed grazing that results in low utilization may be compatible with postfire recovery where there is sufficient precipitation.”
Study findings suggest that grazing after a fire should focus on ground conditions in the area rather than a general two-year rest period. An article from the Rangeland Center stated that since fires have recently increased in severity and size, it’s important for ranchers to know when they can resume grazing so as to reduce economic and ecological consequences.
Grazing after a fire is a current gap in rangeland knowledge that needs to be studied according to the research. Further investigation in the areas of timing and intensity of grazing are also gaps to be studied.
This study is part of multiple fire and grazing studies and initiatives being conducted by the Rangeland Center. This includes the Rangeland Center’s annual Rangeland Forum, where they focus on fire and grazing.
Kevan Mitchell can be reached at [email protected]