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Publication Date
1977
Description
Arid pasture, natural grazing land, or rangeland are synonymous terms used to describe the extensive areas of open, non-cultivated arid lands over which domestic livestock and wildlife roam in search of feed. These lands are characteristically low in productivity and if managed, the level of management is extensive and based on ecological principles. The term rangeland originated in the United States of America and is gradually gaining usage in other countries to differentiate between intensively managed pastures of humid and sub-humid regions, and the open steppes, deserts, shrublands and dry non-commercial forested lands which, in addition to grazing, provide nonconsumptive use such as watershed, wildlife habitat and recreation. Because the term "rangeland" calls to mind the broad, open, far-ranging character of natural grazing lands or arid pastures and the considerably different practices and concepts needed to manage them in contrast to sown pastures, it will be used throughout this discussion. The management objectives for rangelands are basically to produce sustained yields of animal products, water, timber, wildlife and plant products in such a way that the productivity of the basic soil and vegetation resources remain unimpaired (1 ). Excessive and improper use of rangelands has occurred throughout the ages causing soil erosion, reduced plant cover, an increase in undesirable plant species, encroachment of deserts and a loss of primary productivity on which local people depend for their existence. Proper application of management principles, particularly those relating to time and intensity of grazing rangeland by domestic livestock, and regulation of burning and harvest of shrubs for fuel are important for maintaining the viability of rangelands. Increasing pressures on arid lands as well as the more productive lands caused by increasing human population will call for greater care in managing for sustained productivity rather than shortrun yields that can only result in greater rangeland deterioration.
Citation
McKell, Cyrus M. and Dwyer, Don D., "Management of Arid Pastures" (1977). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 7.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1977/plenary/7)
Archival?
Archival
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Management of Arid Pastures
Arid pasture, natural grazing land, or rangeland are synonymous terms used to describe the extensive areas of open, non-cultivated arid lands over which domestic livestock and wildlife roam in search of feed. These lands are characteristically low in productivity and if managed, the level of management is extensive and based on ecological principles. The term rangeland originated in the United States of America and is gradually gaining usage in other countries to differentiate between intensively managed pastures of humid and sub-humid regions, and the open steppes, deserts, shrublands and dry non-commercial forested lands which, in addition to grazing, provide nonconsumptive use such as watershed, wildlife habitat and recreation. Because the term "rangeland" calls to mind the broad, open, far-ranging character of natural grazing lands or arid pastures and the considerably different practices and concepts needed to manage them in contrast to sown pastures, it will be used throughout this discussion. The management objectives for rangelands are basically to produce sustained yields of animal products, water, timber, wildlife and plant products in such a way that the productivity of the basic soil and vegetation resources remain unimpaired (1 ). Excessive and improper use of rangelands has occurred throughout the ages causing soil erosion, reduced plant cover, an increase in undesirable plant species, encroachment of deserts and a loss of primary productivity on which local people depend for their existence. Proper application of management principles, particularly those relating to time and intensity of grazing rangeland by domestic livestock, and regulation of burning and harvest of shrubs for fuel are important for maintaining the viability of rangelands. Increasing pressures on arid lands as well as the more productive lands caused by increasing human population will call for greater care in managing for sustained productivity rather than shortrun yields that can only result in greater rangeland deterioration.
