Changes in the plant composition of an Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) grassland after non-selective grazing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha53314567Keywords:
ACC, Amelichloa clandestina, grassland, grazing, richness and diversity, stocking rateAbstract
This study evaluated the effect of intensive non-selective grazing on the richness, diversity, and structure of a grassland dominated by Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) Arriaga & Barkworth at Rancho “Los Ángeles”, Saltillo, Coahuila. Experimental plots of 600 m² were established in a 2.23 ha area, with three replicates per season. Two treatments were applied: grazed and ungrazed (control) plots, separated by electric fencing. These plots were subjected to intensive grazing 333 livestock units (LU ha-1) at the beginning of each season, beginning in the winter of 2023. In the fall of 2024, the cover of all species in five quadrats (1 m²) per plot was quantified. Richness (Margalef), diversity (Shannon-Wiener), dominance (Simpson), evenness, and floristic similarity (Sørensen-Dice) indices were calculated. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to evaluate the relationship between moisture and compaction. ANOVA and Tukey's test were performed. Thirty-seven species grouped into 19 families were recorded, with the greatest species richness in winter (30 species; Margalef index of 4.2). Spring and summer showed the most significant similarity (80%). The species A. clandestina, Ambrosia confertiflora, and Clematis drummondii were associated with higher humidity in summer and autumn. In conclusion, intensive non-selective grazing, carried out in different seasons, enhanced species richness and diversity, particularly during winter, spring, and summer.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sait JUANES-MARQUEZ, Perpetuo ALVARES-VÁZQUEZ, Miguel MELLADO-BOSQUE, Juan A. ENCINA-DOMÍNGUEZ, Aurelio PEDROZA-SANDOVAL, Martin CADENA-ZAPATA
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