Livestock grazing in North American deserts has different effects depending on the environment. Grazing mainly affects herbaceous plants by being eaten, unlike woody plants which are browsed. The impact of grazing on ecosystems varies globally and is influenced by factors like soil depth and plant characteristics. In some cases, grazing can be a new or intensified disturbance. The effects of grazing on plants and their resilience to drought are closely linked to these factors. The relationship between grazing and ecosystem disturbance is not as well studied as other types of disturbances.