The gas exchange responses of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) were followed after defoliation by either cattle grazing or clipping and compared with the response of nondefoliated (control) plants. Grazed plants had significantly higher rates of photosynthesis than either clipped or control plants. The photosynthesis/transpiration ratio as well as stomatal sensitivity to humidity indicate that leaves of grazed plants may have developed in a higher light and lower moisture environment than that of their clipped counterparts. Although the experimental design could not preclude any indirect effects of animal activity (saliva, waste products, or trampling) on the grazed plants, the microenvironmental differences caused by grazing may be crucial in determining the responses of grasses to clipping versus grazing. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020
Scholarly peer-reviewed articles published by the Society for Range Management. Access articles on a rolling-window basis from vol. 1, 1948 up to 5 years from the current year. Formerly Journal of Range Management (JRM). More recent content is available by subscription from SRM.