Effect of timing and intensity of first defoliation on subsequent production of 4 pasture species

- Authors: A. J. Leyshon, and C. A. Campbell
  
  Date: 1992
  
  Journal: Journal of Range Management
  
  Volume: 45
  
  Number: 4
  
  Pages: 379-384
  
  Summary of Methods: The appropriate initial grazing date and severity was determined for 3 seeded pasture grasses (Altai wild ryegrass (Leymus angustus), Russian wild ryegrass (Psathyrostachys junceus), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum)) and a pasture alfalfa (Medicago sativa), using simulated grazing and forage yield measurements. Initial clipping height affected subsequent forage yield more than timing of initial clipping, and the results suggested that moderate clipping, which may increase forage yield during the treatment year, actually decreased long term forage production. Timing of clipping was more important in years with low precipitation, when earlier clipping (prior to July) reduced forage yields of all species. In general, the authors recommended light grazing the first year after seeded grasses have established and that the first grazing of crested wheatgrass and Russian wild ryegrass should not be until late June while Altai wild ryegrass and alfalfa should not be grazed until July.
  
  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: altai wild ryegrass, russian wild ryegrass, crested wheatgrass, leymus angustus, psathyrostachys junceus, agropyron desertorum, simulated grazing
  
  Annotation: Simulated initial grazing treatments were applied at two week intervals starting on May 16th. Lightly grazed plants were clipped to 10-cm while moderately grazed plants were clipped to 5-cm. Plants were clipped again when regrowth was 10-cm above the height of the initial clipping (20-cm for lightly grazed plants, 15-cm for moderately grazed plants). In the 5 post-treatment years, all plants were defoliated to 5-cm on May 15th and subsequently clipped when forage reached 15-cm.

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