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~~I <br />' I <br />r ~~~ <br />1 <br />r <br />requirements for a number of years. With this in mind, Peabody <br />Coal Company staff responsible for reclamation at the Seneca II <br />Mine developed a plan in which grazing would be used to <br />manipulate plant community development and changes in plant <br />species composition without major physical impacts to the <br />reclaimed landscape. <br />Improving rangeland resources through grazing would be <br />considered somewhat unlikely by most people unfamiliar with <br />range management concepts. This is understandable considering <br />the toll grazing has taken on semi-arid and grid rangelands <br />since the first white settlers began grazing domestic livestock <br />in the west. Grazing can cause significant plant community <br />changes. However, like any tool properly used, grazing can be <br />used beneficially. Grazing removes herbaceous material that <br />would otherwise become standing litter. Grazing can improve <br />nutrient cycling and carbon nitrogen ratios by trampling <br />standing litter, breaking it down through hoof action, and <br />placing it at the soil surface where it is more readily <br />available for microbial decomposition. Increased microbial <br />activity will cycle nutrients more rapidly. Consumption of <br />standing forage breaks down the material, and upon excretion as <br />feces, returns organic matter already high in nitrogen. <br />Managed grazing can also be used to reduce vigor or presence of <br />herbaceous species in order to provide a competitive edge to <br />species of interest or increase the availability of niches <br />which might be occupied by new species or individuals. Animal <br />activity also benefits establishment of new plant species or <br />individuals. Seeds which survive chewing and digestion are <br />carried to new areas and excreted. Hoof action will aid in <br />planting these and other seeds which are present on the <br />surface. Heavy grazing pressure which is properly timed and <br />managed can be used to control certain targeted species. <br />PEABODY COAL COMPANY <br />Nlestem Dlvislon <br />