Continuous overgrazing of Humaya Hills grasslands results in a profound modification of the vegetation structure

Abstract

Continuous  overgrazing  of  Humaya  Hills  grasslands  results  in  a  profound  modification  of  the  vegetation  structure.  The objective  of  this  work  was  to  evaluate  the  effect  of  livestock  grazing  on  plant  biomass  accumulation,  and  the  way  continuous  grazing affects runoff, infiltration rate and soil loss. A field study was conducted between September 2000 and September 2002 in a fenced area, closed to domestic livestock in November 1996, and in an adjacent grazed area. Continuous grazing did not affect plant cover, but maintained a lawn-like structure, promoting surface runoff and sediment transport. Grazing exclusion favored the establishment of species of the genus
Festuca sp. and Stipa sp.