The dynamics of Deschampsia cespitosa in response to grazing

The response of Deschanipsia cespitosa to four different grazing regimes (continuously and rotationally grazed by sheep and continuously and rotationally grazed by cattle) was investigated in two regions in Norway. Grazing both by cattle and sheep reduces, to a certain extent, the cover of D. cespitosa, while trampling seems to benefit D. cespitosa, both in terms of distribution and cover, probably due to improved conditions for germination. These two effects are important to consider when restoring abandoned grasslands with D. cespitosa as a dominating species. If the target is to control the species, successful management will depend on an adequate grazing pressure on D. cespitosa at the start of the restoration. At the same time it is important to avoid exposed ground due to damage by trampling.