Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Bird nesting on rotationally grazed warm- and cool-season grass paddocks in southern Iowa

Project ID: E2006-05

Abstract

Bird nesting patterns were studied under various grazing regimes in southern Iowa.

Key Question: Can farming in Iowa can be compatible with successful grassland bird populations?

Findings: Yes, grazing lands, in particular, can be compatible IF there are areas that are undisturbed during the grassland bird nesting season (particularly May and June) and the grazing lands are diverse, both in terms of species (warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses, a variety of forb species, including legumes and composites) and in structure (some bare ground, clumps of tall dead standing grasses, etc.). While some refuge areas of ungrazed areas (like diverse CRP) are still necessary, careful management of grazing lands through rotational grazing of cool-season and warm-season grasses will allow grassland bird populations to persist.

Lead investigator: James Pease, Iowa Natural Resource Ecology and Management, et al

Year of grant completion: 2008

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Animal management and forage, Wildlife and recreation