Effects of herbage removal at various dates on vigor of bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsamroot
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Authors: J. P. Blaisdell, and J. F. Pechanec
Date: 1949
Journal: Ecology
Volume: 30
Number: 3
Pages: 298-305
Summary of Methods: The study was conducted by sectioning off 8 blocks, 66 x 330 feet each, on the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, Idaho (5500 feet altitude). Each block was then sub-divided into 10 plots (6.6 x 330 feet) and each plot was divided into 80 circular sub-plots. The subplots with a common center for both species were designated into sets of 10; thus each group with the same number was designated a set. Once the height of the wheatgrass reached 2.5 inches, one set of each block was completely clipped to ground level. Ten days later a second set was clipped followed by additional sets clipped at 10-day intervals until 7 sets had been clipped during the growing season. The remaining set was not clipped and served as a control to the experiment. Plant height and air-dry weight were measured and flower stalks were also counted the year following the initial clipping. This process was conducted for 6 years (1942 to 1947).
Article Summary / Main Points: The period with the most adverse effect on plant vigor for bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsamroot was during the intermediate period of growth, in other words after the date when substantial regrowth is impossible and before maturity (late May/early June). Clipping bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsam root late in the season (end of October) had the least adverse effects on the herbage production and number of flowering stalks compared to clipping early in the season. Clipping at any date reduced the following year's herbage and flower stalk production, and average leaf height. Bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsam root flower stalk production is most severely affected by herbage removal than herbage production.
Vegetation Types: Sagebrush Steppe
MLRA Ecoregions: 11 Snake River Plains 12 Lost River Valleys and Mountains 13 Eastern Idaho Plateaus
Agrovoc Control Words: Agropyron Grasses Rangelands
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: bluebunch wheatgrass, arrowleaf balsamroot, clipping, effects of grazing
Annotation: This is an old, highly cited article that compared the effects of clipping at different dates on vigor (flower stalk production, herbage production and average leaf height) of bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsamroot. Although complete herbage removal of these species was more severe than utilization levels by livestock, the results of this study are relevant to indicate the period during which plants are more susceptible to injury. We should take in account that during the time the article was written it was believed that carbohydrate reserves were located in the plants root and not in the plants crown.
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