Defoliation and cold-hardiness of northern wheatgrass
-
-
Authors: B. L. Kowalenko, and J. T. Romo
Date: 1998
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 51
Number: 1
Pages: 63-68
Summary of Methods: To determine the effects of grazing on tiller cold tolerance, Kowalenko and Romo measured survival of northern wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum syn. Elymus lanceolatus) tillers mowed at different times during the grazing season and exposed to different temperatures and lengths of cold stress. In general, mowed tillers had greater survival rates than control (un-mowed) tillers, and as the temperature decreased and the length of time under cold stress increased, tiller survival decreased. The greater survival of mowed tillers was unexpected and was probably related to the lower water content of the mowed tillers, which, when analyzed, was directly related to survival. The results of this study suggest that grazing will not decrease the cold tolerance of northern wheatgrass tillers, however, the mowing treatments in this study were not repeated and defoliation was to a standard stubble height, which may not accurately simulate grazing. Grazing can also reduce litter cover, which can insulate plants and reduce cold stress, therefore more research will need to be done to determine the effects of actual grazing on these plants.
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: northern wheatgrass, agropyron dasystachyum, elymus lanceolatus, cold stress, crown temperatures, freezing tolerance, simulated grazing, northern mixed prairie, tiller survival
Annotation: Plots were mowed one time during the grazing season to a 5-cm stubble height. Time of mowing was late May, late June, late July, or late August, depending on treatment.
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-