1 16 Journal of Agricultural Research voi. iii. No. 3 



before it is cropped, but grazing it after that period, in order to avoid 

 loss of forage througli nonuse and to assist reproduction by trampling in 

 the seed. 



In the following pages the comparative merits of the three grazing 

 systems, from the standpoint of the requirements of the range plants for 

 growth and reproduction, are discussed. 



YEARLONG GRAZING 



The term "grazing system" implies a definite plan of utilizing the 

 forage crop in accordance with certain basic principles. Yearlong or 

 season-long grazing, however, is characterized mainly by a lack of system, 

 since it fails to provide for the removal of the herbage at any particular 

 time in any locality. Its ultimate results to stock and the range are not 

 considered. 



It was this unrestricted grazing on National Forest lands prior to 

 their inclusion that so seriously reduced the carrying capacity of the choice 

 ranges. After the creation of the National Forests overstocking was 

 eliminated as rapidly as the stockmen could meet the necessary reduc- 

 tions, and regular grazing seasons were established. Even under sea- 

 sonal regulations, however, the prevailing practice of yearlong grazing 

 has not been conducive to the most rapid improvement of the range. In 

 northeastern Oregon sheep are permitted to enter the mountain grazing 

 areas early in July, when mountain bunch-grass and most of the other 

 palatable species begin to put forth their flower stalks. Up to August 

 I the flower stalks are virtually as palatable as the leaf blades, and where 

 the range is stocked to its full capacity, as it is in practically all cases, 

 most of the stalks are removed prior to the formation of seed. Moreover, 

 there is a tendency to graze the same lands prematurely each year, a 

 practice which impairs herbage development. This not only prevents 

 seed production, but also results in gradually decreasing the carrying 

 capacity of the range through starvation of the forage plants. Prior to 

 the time of seed maturity practically all of the range has been grazed 

 over at least once, and, as a rule, only the vegetation on the inaccessible 

 lands is allowed to mature seed. 



After about August i the flower stalks are not eaten as a general rule, 

 except in the case of certain moisture-loving species, such as butterweed 

 (Senecio triangularis), but the vegetative portion, especially of the 

 grasses, is so closely consumed as to prevent the manufacture of the food 

 so essential to the development of the plants and the production of seed. 

 Since the main seed-developing period in the Hudsonian zone comes in 

 August, lack of an abundant food supply during the growth period is 

 reflected in the low viability of the meager seed crop produced. 



To determine which species are becoming established under the system 

 of yearlong grazing, several typical areas, overgrazed in various degrees. 



