Effects of the timing of multiple grazings by geese on net above-ground primary production of swards of Puccinellia phryganodes
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Authors: D. S. Hik, H. A. Sadul, and R. L. Jefferies
Date: 1991
Journal: Journal of Ecology
Volume: 79
Number: 3
Pages: 715-730
Summary of Methods: The effects of multiple grazing sessions (no grazing, early season grazing 1-6 times every 12 days, or early season grazing 2-3 times every 24 days or late-season once every 12 days for three occasions) and fecal input by captive lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) goslings on net annual primary production (NAPP) and nitrogen content of Puccinellia phryganodes were investigated on the Coastal marshes of La Perouse Bay, Manitoba, Canada (58˚ 04’ N, 94˚ 03’ W). An experimental garden was constructed and 4 grazing and fertilization treatments (clipping, clipping + fertilization, fertilization, and no fertilization or clipping) were applied. Fecal counts, fecal dry weight, and carbon and nitrogen content were estimated on each plot. Standing crop was measured (July 23 and October 15) on all plots during 2nd year.
Article Summary / Main Points: Clipping negatively affected plant growth whereas fertilization minimized or eliminated this effect. Main shoot length, axillary shoot length and total dry weight of biomass were lowest when clipped and not fertilized and greatest for tillers that received fertilizer and were and not clipped. Above-ground biomass decreased with clipping in absence of fertilization. Standing crop biomass measurements varied greatly. In July 1988, amounts of biomass showed that multiple grazing events throughout the entire season resulted in a low standing crop the following summer, mainly in plots that were grazed late in the season. Biomass increased rapidly after grazing was stopped for all treatments. NAPP of Puccinellia swards were highest when grazed 3 times, with a minimum of 12 days of recovery compared to other treatments tested.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: grazing, lesser snow goose, chen caerulescens caerulescens, net above-ground primary production (napp), shoot nitrogen content, puccinellia phryganodes, forage quality
Annotation: The results of this study can be applied to most salt-marshes and wetlands that are grazed by geese. They can also be applied to other riparian areas with similar conditions, but have limited applicability for most rangeland grazing situations. This study illustrates the importance of timing and intensity of on forage quality.
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