| Title | Dispersal of Lehmann lovegrass by sheep |
| Publication Type | Conference Paper |
| Year of Publication | 1998 |
| Authors | Flores M.A., Fredrickson E.L., Pieper, Rex D., Murray L.W |
| Conference Name | Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management |
| Date Published | 1998 |
| Abstract | Lehman lovegrass seed are dispersed by wind and water; however, domestic animals also may be effective seed dispersal agents. Animal dispersion of Lehmann lovegrass has not been examined and was the objective of the present study conducted on the Jornada Experimental Range during the years 1995 and 1996. Two seed dispersal methods were evaluated: broadcasting and seed dispersal via sheep feces using two levels of precipitation. To determine treatment effects the following variables were measured: percentage of plots with Lehmann lovegrass seedlings, number of seedlings per plot and seedling vigor at the end of the growing season. The results showed that broadcast seeding produced three to four times more plots with Lehmann lovegrass seedlings than seed dispersed in sheep feces. The number seedlings per plot also were higher in broadcast seeded plots. Seedling vigor at the end of the growing season did not differ by seed dispersal method. Precipitation level did not effect the variables measured. Although not as effective as broadcast seeding, the germination and persistence of Lehmann lovegrass seeds in sheep feces does indicate that sheep should be considered as dispersal agents of Lehmann lovegrass. |
Jornada
Science-based management strategies for sustainability of agriculture and other land uses
