Comparing grazed and ungrazed forests in Kansas

Differences between grated and ungradedforestlands in Kansas were investigated based on a statewide sample of all forestlands. Grazing forestlands was found to have a significant relationship to the quality and quantity of trees on forestlands, as seen in lower levels of total volume and growing-stock volume when compared to ungrazed forestlands. In addition, grazed forestlands showed lower average basal areas, younger average stand ages, lower potential productivities, and increased percentages of bare ground. Compared to forestlands without grazing, forestlands with grazing had higher levels of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) seedling regeneration and lower levels of preferred hardwood species regeneration in several forest type groups. Land managers can use these results in their decision-making process concerning whether to graze their deciduous forests.