Rangelands contain hundreds of different species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals that depend wholly on plants for their survival. Pastures and forages may support fewer animal species, but an equal diversity of processes. Grazing herbivores, including domestic livestock, affect basic ecosystem processes, including nutrient cycling, primary production, decomposition, and vegetative structure. Effects of these impacts are highly varied and often poorly understood. There is extensive evidence that grazing can be effectively managed for some vegetation-related objectives, but we have a limited knowledge of management requirements for other components of grazed ecosystems. Supplying forage for livestock production is a traditional value of our rangelands and pastures. Other values of great importance include species diversity, water quality and quantity, recreation, and aesthetic values. On sites where grazing is appropriate, livestock management requires greater ecological understanding of associated effects on these other values and related attributes of these natural resources, as well as on the production of food and fiber. To sustain animal production on our Nation’s rangelands and pastures, new technologies and management systems based on this knowledge are required that recognize and mitigate negative grazing effects on water, wildlife, and environmental quality.

Healthy rangeland and pasture ecosystems that support ecologically and economically sustainable animal production systems

Mission

To develop scientific knowledge and provide and transfer technology to sustain the health of the Nation’s grazed rangelands and pastures, conserve their natural resource base, and provide animal products demanded by society.

Table 5. ARS Research Locations Contributing to Component IV of the Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages National Program--Grazing Management: Livestock Production and the Environment