Clipping frequency and intensity effects on big bluestem yield, quality, and persistence
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Authors: J. R. Forwood, and M. M. Magai
Date: 1992
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 45
Number: 6
Pages: 554-559
Summary of Methods: The forage production and quality of 'Kaw' big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) differed depending on the frequency and intensity of repeated clipping in a 2-year Missouri field trial. Leaf crude protein declined with increasing regrowth periods and stem in vitro dry matter digestibility was unaffected by treatment, suggesting that leaf maturity has considerable affect on plant quality. Repeated clipping to 10-cm reduced total nonstructural carbohydrates significantly more than clipping to 20-cm, and stand improvement was observed in the higher stubble height plants. The authors suggest that forage production can be optimized by clipping to a short stubble height (10-cm) to encourage high quality forage, while allowing for sufficient regrowth (canopy height of 41-cm) to accumulate reserve carbohydrates.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: in vitro dry matter digestibility, big bluestem, andropogon gerardii, defoliation intensity, grazing season, warm-season grasses, forage quality, harvest regimes
Annotation: Six defoliation treatments were imposed in 1985 and 1986. The treatments were: 1.) clipped when a 30-cm height was reached to leave either a 10-cm or 20-cm stubble; 2) clipped when a 41-cm height was reached to leave either a 10-cm or 20-cm stubble; and 3) clipped at 51-cm height was reached to leave either a 10-cm or 20-cm stubble.
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