Rotational Cattle Grazing to Restore Degraded Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands and Promote Watershed Health"

The Dixon Water Foundation employs grazing techniques that mimic historical bison movements to rehabilitate the Chihuahuan Desert grassland from the impacts of overgrazing, which have led to increased erosion, runoff, reduced aquifer recharge, and carbon sequestration. Such rotationally grazed practices improve soil health as cattle fertilize soil with manure and break up surface to allow seeding and water infiltration. Monitoring results indicate that herbaceous plants have re-established and perennial grasses have expanded since rotational grazing was implemented. The restored grassland enhances watershed health, provides wildlife habitat, and offers educational and research opportunities in regenerative livestock management.