Livestock often are attracted to riparian systems for the availability of forage and water, shade and smooth terrain. Riparian ecosystems are extremely productive, with some providing 81 percent of the summer forage utilized by livestock (Roath and Krueger 1982). Livestock grazing of riparian vegetation can result in a decline in soil health, loss of biotic diversity, degradation of wildlife habitat, reduced water quality and alterations in stream hydrology. Grazing Riparian Ecosystems: Water Developments
A-1105; This publication contains information on selected varieties of buckwheat, chickpea, flax, lentil, proso millet, mustard and safflower that North Dakota State University tested in 2010.
