AVOIDANCE OF TOO EARLY GRAZING 191 



erosion is controlled, the more permanent forms slowly make 

 their appearance, until finally the original type of vegetation 

 is again in evidence. 



Too much care cannot be exercised in preserving the dark sur- 

 face layer of the soil, for this humus covering is the very life 

 of the land. Preserving the surface soil is much cheaper than 

 replacing it, and this is not a difficult task if proper precautions 

 are taken when erosion begins. 



THE SOLUTION OF THE EROSION PROBLEM ON 

 PASTURE LANDS 



The evidence clearly proves that destructive grazing by any 

 class of stock on lands where the topography, climate, and soil 

 are favorable to washing, will appreciably increase both the 

 run-off and the erosion. The seriousness of the erosion will 

 vary according to the extent to which the plant cover is de- 

 stroyed. 



In order to maintain a good cover of vegetation, recognition 

 of the following conditions is of primary importance: (i) Over- 

 grazing must not take place; (2) too early grazing must be 

 avoided; (3) deferred and rotation grazing should be prac- 

 ticed; (4) proper control and distribution of the livestock are 

 necessary; and (5) in extreme cases it is advisable to terrace the 

 land. 



Avoidance of Overgrazing. — The avoidance of overgrazing 

 can best be accomplished by correctly estimating and then ad- 

 justing the number of stock that a range or pasture will safely 

 carry. Overgrazing may readily be recognized by the weak- 

 ened condition and disappearance of the choicest or the most 

 highly palatable forage plants. This is usually accompanied 

 by the appearance of incipient gullies, followed by erosion of 

 varying degrees of seriousness. 



Avoidance of Too Early Grazing. — Permitting stock on the 

 pasture too early in the spring when the herbage is very young 

 and succulent, and when the soil is well-nigh saturated with 

 moisture, is a common means of starting serious erosion. At 

 no time in the season is it more essential that a plant be per- 



