Livestock Management in the American Southwest Ecology, Society and Economics

About this book

A combination of ecological, cultural and socio-economic information on livestock management in a single volume. Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that range management and range condition relate as much to human socio-cultural interactions as they do to physiographic and ecological conditions. Thus, understanding the interplay between human and natural forces is critical to comprehending rangeland use and health problems. Unfortunately these factors are seldom considered together as interacting forces. This volume is designed to remedy that disparity, with chapters addressing both ecological conditions and human use patterns. The book begins with an introduction to the topic and a history of livestock grazing in the southwest from 1540 to the present, followed by overviews of current conditions, literature reviews, and discussions of future research needs for range and ecosystems of the area. Desert grasslands, plains grasslands, pinyon-juniper rangelands, montane rangelands, and riperian areas are treated in separate chapters. The final section discusses economic, social and cultural aspects of grazing and livestock management in Arizona and New Mexico, including information on American Indian tribal operations and traditional Hispanic operations. Although examples and discussions focus on issues of the American Southwest, many of these problems, concerns, and potential solutions are international in their scope and relevance

Contents

Section I: Grazing, land use history, and grazing systems of the southwest. Preface (C. Raish, R. Jemison). Grazing in the southwest: history of land use and grazing since 1540 (G. Wildeman, J.H. Brock). Grazing systems of the southwest (W.H. Kruse, R. Jemison). Section II: Range ecosystems. Desert grasslands (S.R. Loftin et al.). Plains grasslands (D.M. Engle, T.G. Bidwell). Pinyon-juniper rangelands (G.J. Gottfried, R.D. Pieper). Montane ecosystems used as rangelands (C.L. Chambers, R.S. Holthausen). Riparian areas (J.-L.E. Cartron et al.). Fish and grazing relationships in southwestern national forests (J.N. Rinne). Section III: Economic, social, and cultural aspects of livestock production and management. Ranching in the American southwest: conflict and compromise (C. Raish). Commercial livestock operations in Arizona (G.B. Ruyle et al.). Historic range livestock industry in New Mexico (J.M. Fowler). American Indian livestock operations on tribal lands in Arizona and New Mexico (D. Brugge, P.A. Gerow). Small livestock operations in northern New Mexico (C. Eastman et al.). Section IV: Research and information needs and conclusions. Summary of research and information needs and conclusions (R. Jemison, C. Raish).

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