Spring grazing by geese leads to significant grassland yield loss.
Grazing geese can affect grass growth and crop yield on farmland. A study in the Netherlands looked at how timing and intensity of grazing impact grass height and harvest. They found that grazing in winter and spring can reduce grass growth, with spring grazing having a bigger effect. The more intense the grazing, the greater the difference in grass height between grazed and ungrazed areas. Grazing can also delay grass growth, affecting overall yield. Geese may prefer fields with denser grass, which could lead to more grazing and potential yield loss. Managing grazing with scaring techniques may help reduce yield losses, but the effectiveness depends on when and where it's done.