Characteristics of Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hairgrass) and Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) were measured at 30 montane meadow sites on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (39°N 25' 57", 120°W 14' 13") to determine how clipping and soil moisture affect grass growth and competition. The results of the field study were compared to a greenhouse study that mimicked the conditions at the montane meadow as well as several other types of growing conditions. Both studies measured cover, density, aboveground biomass and soil moisture and were conducted during the summer of 2000. Plots at the study meadow were primarily Deschampsia, Poa, or a combination of both and were either unclipped or clipped one to four cm above the soil (depending on micro-topography) one week after the start of the trials. The greenhouse study consisted of pots planted with Deschampsia, Poa, or a combination of both and were either unclipped or clipped to one cm above the soil one week after the start of the trials. In addition, there were also high, moderate, and low water treatments for the greenhouse plants.
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