There were notable differences in the diversity and composition of herbaceous species across the various grazing intensity levels (p <0.001). As grazing pressure increased, the mix of plant species changed from grass cover to forb cover dominance. Furthermore, compared to locations with high and moderate grazing intensity, areas with low grazing had greater levels of species diversity, herbaceous biomass, and ground cover. Species diversity and total biomass were positively correlated across all locations. Grazing intensity had a negative impact on total biomass both directly and indirectly through its detrimental effects on species variety, as demonstrated by the pSEM, which explained 37% of the variation in total biomass. In dryland savannah environments, controlling grazing intensity may result in increased plant production and mixed forage establishment.
https://ecologicalprocesses.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13717-023-00468-3