Tree/wood quality in slash pine following longterm cattle grazing

Cattle grazing plots were established in the Palustris Experimental Forest in Louisiana, and long-term effects of grazing on tree and wood quality were assessed. Results showed that, in terms of diameter at breast height of slash pine trees, there was no significant difference between grazed and ungrazed plots over nearly 30 yr of evaluation. Tree growth rates were not affected by grazing either, as measured by total ring width or width of latewood. Specific gravity of either the latewood or the earlywood did not differ between grazed and ungrazed plots, and tracheid length between plots was similar.