Persistence of cool-season grasses under grazing using the mob-grazing technique
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Authors: D. H. McCartney, and S. Brittman
Date: 1994
Journal: Canadian Journal of Plant Science
Volume: 74
Number:
Pages: 723-728
Summary of Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate the persistence of several cool-season grasses adapted to northeastern Saskatchewan under contrasting grazing pressures using the mob-grazing technique. Ground cover declined more rapidly under intense than under light grazing, but no interaction was found between grazing intensity and grass germplasm. The ground cover of the seeded grasses generally declined but at different rates during the trial, giving a significant grass x year interaction. Carlton smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) declined significantly more than Parkway crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) during the trial. This study demonstrates some well-known responses of grasses to grazing that are not seen in conventional plot trials. Examples include the gradual decline of smooth and meadow bromegrasses (Bromus biebersteinii), rapid decline of intermediate wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia), and increase of bluegrass (Poa spp.) particularly under intense grazing. This study also found new information that will bear further investigation, such as the rapid decline of Baylor smooth bromegrass, the persistence of green needlegrass (Stipa viridula), and the difference in persistence among meadow bromegrass cultivars. Results suggest that new grass species and cultivars should be tested for persistence under mob grazing before they are recommended for use in pastures.
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: grazing tolerance, temperate grasses, pasture, ground cover, bromegrass, bromus spp., wheatgrass, elytrigia spp., wildrye, bluegrass, poa spp.
Annotation: Three grazing intensities were imposed as the main plot treatments. The intense treatment intended to approximate continuous grazing beginning in early June. The light treatment was grazed only twice a year, in mid-June and mid-September. The moderate treatment was grazed 3 times a year in mid-July and September. 13 grass germplasms were contained within each paddock and grazed by large groups of cattle so that all the herbage was consumed evenly in 1-2 days.
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