Forage production and stocking rates on southern Arizona ranges can be improved /

Most semidesert cattle ranges in southern Arizona can grow more grass and beef than they do.Early plot studies in the Southwest showed that mesquite control increased grass production (Parker and Martin 1952), 3 and indicated that maximum benefits could be ex- pected only with good grazing management.These findings have not been verified experi- mentally on a practical scale.This paper discusses increases in forage production and carrying capacity within 5 years after chang- ing the grazing management on two range units recently cleared of mesquite and two mesquiteinfested units on the Santa Rita Experimental Range.