Collaborative Adaptive Rangeland Management, Multipaddock Rotational Grazing, and the Story of the Regrazed Grass Plant

Abstract Frequent, severe defoliation reduces grass production and can alter plant species composition in grasslands. Multipaddock rotational grazing has been proposed as a strategy that may reduce the frequency intensity of on palatable plants without altering stocking rates. Previous studies evaluated this hypothesis using small, homogeneous paddocks nonadaptive rotation schedules found small inconsistent differences between continuous systems. Using stakeholder-driven collaborative adaptive management (CAM) framework, we conducted first ranch-scale experimental investigation into tiller patterns context multipaddock grazing. We monitored 10 paired 130-ha pastures assigned to either treatment (CARM, one livestock herd) or season-long (traditional rangeland [TRM]; separate herds) shortgrass steppe. Consistent with previous studies, observed frequencies regrazing palatable, cool-season (western wheatgrass , Pascopyrum smithii ) were much more sensitive rate than system. Under moderate rates used both CARM TRM treatments, roughly two-thirds western tillers remained ungrazed annually, regardless Thus, rest is present Frequencies low (5−15%) similar treatments. Although treatments at whole-ranch scale, enhanced spatial temporal heterogeneity among individual pastures. Pastures grazed earlier season for longer experienced defoliation. Managers implementing adaptive, could use heightened predictable variability strategically manage impacts pasture scale. The CAM model enabled our team identify directly address key stakeholder hypotheses resulted coproduction management-relevant research.