Data from Grazing Management Studies at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, 2003-2006

Grazing lands provide numerous ecosystem services that support the livelihoods of agricultural producers throughout the northern Great Plains. Increasingly dynamic weather and market conditions challenge the resilience of grazing lands in the region. Studies evaluating management influences on grazing land properties and processes across multiple years are rare, yet such studies can provide insight into ecosystem resilience particularly if the study periods encompass periods of extreme drought. Given this context, a multi-year study was conducted to evaluate plant and soil properties and processes in three long-term grazing management systems in central North Dakota USA. Grazing management systems included two native vegetation pastures differing in stocking rate (moderately and heavily grazed) and a heavily grazed crested wheatgrass [Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex. Link) Schult.] pasture. Evaluations of plant biomass, soil properties and processes, and livestock performance were evaluated from 2003 through 2006. All data were collected following established protocols. Data may be used to investigate plant, soil, and livestock responses to grazing land management practices in a semiarid continental climate. Applicable USDA soil types include Temvik, Wilton, Grassna, Linton, Mandan, and Williams.