In this study the impact of a rotation grazing system on the soil and
vegetation of a Stipa-Bouteloua-Agropyron community in the mixed prair
ie ecoregion was compared with the ungrazed treat ment in exclosures.
At a low stocking rate, grazing had no effect on the vegetation but di
d alter soil quality. Grazing pressure was so light in the rotational
grazing treatment that recovery of productivity, as measured by standi
ng crop and litter, was not significantly different from the ungrazed
treatment. Conversely, the species distribution was unchanged but was
indicative of a lower seral state for this mixed prairie. The effect o
f grazing on this community was indirect, possibly by altering the mic
roenvironment, The relationships observed among forage production, soi
l chemistry, and species composition raise questions on the importance
of any one variable expressing range condition on the mixed prairie.