KUCHLER TYPE VALUE AND USE
KUCHLER TYPE: Bluestem Prairie



FORESTRY VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


RANGE VALUES : 
Grazing can increase foliage production of tallgrass prairie species by
as much as 50 to 75 percent [15].

The bluestem prairie has been classified with an herbage production of
4,500 to 6,000 pounds per acre [26].  

Detailed information on grazing studies is given by Weaver [24].  For
grazing studies coupled with burning see FIRE EFFECTS ON VEGETATION.


WILDLIFE VALUES : 
The bluestem prairie provides valuable habitat for many small mammals
and birds.  It is also important for large ungulates like white-tailed
deer, pronghorn, and bison [28,29].


OTHER VALUES : 
Much of the bluestem prairie has been converted to agriculture for crops
which include corn and feed grains [26].


MANAGEMENT CONCERNS : 
The tallgrass prairie once occupied 3 percent of North America.  It is
now found in remnant stands, the largest in eastern Kansas and Oklahoma [15].

Related categories for Kuchler Type: Bluestem Prairie