overgrazing

(noun)

Excessive grazing to an extent that the land is damaged.

Related Terms

Examples of overgrazing in the following topics:

  • The End of the Open Range

    • The open range came to an end due to the overgrazing of cattle.
    • The invention of barbed wire allowed cattle to be confined to designated areas to prevent overgrazing of the range.
    • In the north, overgrazing stressed the open range, leading to insufficient winter forage for the cattle and starvation.
    • The end of the open range was not brought about by a reduction in land due to crop farming, but by overgrazing.

  • Ranchers, Cowboys, and Cattle

    • In the north, overgrazing stressed the open range, leading to insufficient winter forage for the cattle and starvation.
    • The end of the open range was not brought about by a reduction in land due to crop farming, but by overgrazing.

  • "Market Failure" and Property Rights

    • Since everyone has the same incentive every one takes more animals to graze and eventually the commons is overgrazed and every one loses.