Effects of simulated defoliation on leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) infested rangeland
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Authors: D. R. Kirby, T. P. Hanson, K. D. Krabbenhoft, and M. M. Kirby
Date: 1997
Journal: Weed Technology
Volume: 11
Number: 3
Pages: 586-590
Summary of Methods: A clipping study was designed to simulate herded goat grazing and measure the effects on a leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) infested rangeland on the Sheyenne National Grasslands in North Dakota. Seven defoliation treatments (no grazing, vegetative stage, flowering stage, mature stage, regrowth stage, once at vegetative and regrowth stages) were applied to all leafy spurge plants within plots annual for four years. Each clipping removed the top 5 cm of leafy spurge plants. Cover, density and herbaceous yield were estimated. Total herbaceous production was clipped, dried and separated into categories for analysis.
Article Summary / Main Points:
• A single year of defoliation did not yield a reduction in density of leafy spurge stems.
• Population and growth of the weed decreased significantly (55% reduction in stem densities) when the defoliation occurred twice during the growing season for four consecutive years.
• Grass cover and production increased at all levels of defoliation.
• Density of leafy spurge stems was decreased in twice-defoliation treatments to levels that would not deter cattle grazing.Vegetation Types: Northern Mixed Prairie Tallgrass Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 55B Central Black Glaciated Plains
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: leafy spruge, euphorbia esula, ephes, angora goats, cattle, clipping, biological control, density, noxious weed, biological control, density, noxious weed, targeted grazing
Annotation: Defoliation of leafy spurge was simulated by clipping in this study. This study is very applicable in leafy spurge dominated areas and shows that multi-species grazing in these situations may be a very viable option if cattle producers do not want to spend the money on chemical control and do not want to switch from cattle to sheep or goats.
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