On today’s Cow-Calf Corner, Dana Zook, NW Area Livestock Specialist talks about the direct impacts of eastern redcedar.
In many areas of the state, the Eastern Redcedar tree has been present in the landscape for a long time and it can be easy to overlook its true impact on rangelands. This species can thrive in many different soil types and under a variety of weather conditions and it seems that no landscape is immune. Some might not feel like the cedar tree is an issue but research on the impacts to forage production and water use tells the true story.
As Eastern Redcedar trees grow, they shade out forage plants that are used for wildlife and livestock production. Areas dominated by the Eastern Redcedar may see reductions in rangeland carrying capacity (stocking rate). This might be hard to initially identify but evidence of this could be detected by increased feed costs or earlier need for supplementation compared to the past.
Recently, Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension published an infographic documenting the change in Eastern Redcedar Tree Cover from 1950 to 1985. The impact is astonishing. In that time, the amount of land taken up by this species statewide went from 1.5 million acres to 3.5 million acres (140% increase). In Northwest Oklahoma, the increase went from 92,750 acres to a staggering 697,350 acres (652% increase). If we simply say that 1 acre of native grass produces 1,000 pounds of forage that would be a substantial loss for livestock production. There is no denying the spread of the Eastern Redcedar has reduced forage production. You can view the post @Oklahomalands on Facebook.
Water is becoming one of our most limited resources, especially in Western Oklahoma. While both water availability and water quality are reduced in some areas, the Eastern Redcedar quietly but efficiently encroaches our grasslands. Is there a relationship here? According to the OSU Factsheet L-439 “Water Use by Eastern Redcedar”, a single Eastern Redcedar uses up to 21 gallons of water each day, all year long. Water use by this species will vary depending on soil type and research shows it can adapt to drier conditions but also increase water uptake in areas where the water table is closer to the surface.
Precipitation will also be less available in areas where the Eastern Redcedar tree has dominated the landscape. When it rains, a portion of the precipitation will be caught in the canopy of the tree and litter layer on the ground and is eventually lost through Evaporation and Transpiration. In areas where rainfall is so desperately needed, Eastern Redcedar trees reduce the amount of water that could enter the soil, would be available for natural stream flow, and could replenish groundwater supplies.
Who knew that one type of tree could have so much impact? For assistance identifying the impact of Eastern Redcedar on rangelands or evaluating supplemental need for livestock, contact your local OSU Extension office.
