Biomass and carbohydrates of spotted knapweed and Idaho fescue after repeated grazing
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Authors: B. E. Olson, and R. T. Wallander
Date: 1997
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 50
Number: 4
Pages: 409-412
Summary of Methods: Sheep were grazed in Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) fields that were infested with spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) in Montana (45° 36' N; 111° 4' W), over the course of three years, to determine the plants' response to grazing. Carbohydrate reserves, carbohydrate pools and plant biomass of both species were measured. Three, 0.1 ha pastures were grazed intensively three times during Idaho Fescue summer dormancy to minimize effects on the native grass. The spring following the second year of grazing, 30 grazed and 30 ungrazed plant of each species was collected (above and below ground biomass) to measure plant biomass and carbohydrate levels.
Article Summary / Main Points: • Shoot and root biomass of grazed Idaho fescue was 38 and 27% less that ungrazed plants, while grazing did not affect spotted knapweed biomass. • Carbohydrate levels were not affected by grazing for Idaho fescue and spotted knapweed, and therefore not good indicators of the effects of repeated grazing on Idaho fescue and spotted knapweed.
Vegetation Types: Intermountain Grasslands (includes Palouse Prairie and Canyon Grasslands)
MLRA Ecoregions: 44B Central Rocky Mountain Valleys
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: plant reserves, allocation, weed, sheep grazing, centaurea maculosa, festuca idahoensis, targeted grazing
Annotation: Utilization of both species in this study ranged from 59-99%. Authors concluded repeated intensive grazing may reduce the competitive ability of Idaho fescue.
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