Utilization Standards 



The following standards are based on the amount of 

 the current year's forage crop that should remain on the 

 ground at the time the next year's crop starts to grow. 

 These standards consist of a series of photographs taken in 

 pastures at the San Joaquin Experimental Range and show dif- 

 ferent degrees of range utilization. One photograph (No. 4) 

 illustrates moderate use, which is considered most desirable. 

 The others show either light or heavy use. In judging range 

 utilization, the object is to match the range against the 

 photographs to determine degree of use. Common sense and the 

 experience and training of the range examiner are very impor- 

 tant in arriving at a utilization rating. Many factors have 

 to be balanced in forming a final decision, for no single 

 yardstick has yet been devised that will accurately measure 

 the degree of forage use on annual- type ranges. The details 

 of how to use the standards are given in the following pages. 



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