Effects of livestock excreta on herbage seed dispersal and germination

Grazing regulation of forage impacts forage consumption, growth, reproduction, seed production, dispersal, and germination. Dispersal of seeds through livestock excrement was one of the important means of seeds transport. While excreta from livestock can promote long-distance dispersal and seed germination, it can also damage the seeds, and affect germination. Therefore, we studied the effects of excreta on plant reproduction, propagation and germination of herbage seed. Our results show that livestock excreta served as a natural and effective means of herbage seed dispersal and regeneration. Livestock excreta increased seed production in herbage, improved likelihood of feeding, increased dispersal distance and also expanded the forage habitat. Through improved understanding of the role of excreta in herbage seed dispersal and germination it is possible to explore new approaches that may provide a theoretical framework to minimize grassland degradation and propose solutions for restoration of grasslands.