Silvopastoralism in the Alps: Native plant species selection under different grazing pressure

To evaluate the suitability of wood pastures as a managing tool in subalpine regions it is essential to know more about the influence of grazing on the ground vegetation. This study assessed native plant species selection by cattle at different stocking rates, feeding habits and site preferences of cattle. Based on the results, conclusions concerning the value of silvopastoral systems in the Alps were drawn. A field study on six different wood pasture areas, grazed by cattle at different stocking rates, was accompanied by an experiment on three adjoining areas of 0.51 ha each, stocked with either three, six, or nine heifers. Plant species were recorded in plots of 20 cm × 20 cm before and after grazing, and the intensity of grazing on each species was assessed. At low stocking rates, grasses and tall species were most intensely grazed, while at higher stocking rates the intake of forbs and small species increased. Since no relationship was found between nutritional value and species preference, other factors such as accessibility of a plant seem to be important for the feeding preferences of cattle. The preference for grasses at low and medium stocking rates suggests that an increased growth of forbs might lead to an increase in plant species diversity.