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Abstract

Woodland grazing is a common practice in the Southeast; however, information is limited on its effects on the woodland plant-species composition. The study objective was to determine the effect of summer grazing on woodland plant-species composition. Before- and after-grazing observations were taken at the ground, mid, and high levels in three plots (1-acre each) along the pre-established transects. Kiko wethers (29, 6-8 months old, 26.8±0.67 kg body weight) were allowed to graze the plots after before-grazing observations were taken. After-grazing observations were taken immediately after the goats were moved out from the plots. Grazing showed a significant effect on the plant species diversity at the ground- and mid-level (p<0.0001). The evenness indices after grazing for the ground- and mid-level vegetation were decreased by 26% and 24%, respectively. The results suggest that goats’ grazing can have a significant short-term impact on the woodland-plant community below 1.5 m height.

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