Effects of Repeated Shredding on a Guajillo (Acacia belandieri) Community

Abstract

Shredding is often used to manage brush in South Texas. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of repeated shredding on density and canopy cover of browse plants used by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and on brush species diversity in a guajillo (Acacia berlandieri) community. About 2000 acres in Zavala County were shredded at 3-year intervals from 1969-1978 with a drag-type shredder. In 1985, brush density and canopy cover were determined in 5 unshredded and adjacent shredded areas. Shredding had little effect on density and canopy cover of high, medium, and low value browse plants. Density of exceptionally palatable plants was lower on shredded than on un shredded areas. Brush species diver-sity was also lower on shredded range.