ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the principles governing the most common improvement practices. Of the four elements applied in the rehibilitation of grazing lands -- climate, soil, vegetation, and grazing management -- climate is the only one that man cannot manipulate. However, manipulation of water from rainfall once it hits the ground is one of the most important aspects of range improvement. Efficient use of rainfall enhances all the other improvement practices. The principle in water conservation is to supply the forage species with moisture in such a way and at the right time so that the effects last the longest. The most effective practice for soil conservation on rangeland is the same as for water conservation --a permanent cover of desirable plants. Reseeding of denuded areas is an improvement practice that obtains fast results. However, many risks are involved in this type of operation, and extreme care must be exercised to establish and produce good forage.
