This short-term greenhouse study in Montana examined the effects of clipping the native Idaho fescue and soil water content on seedling emergence and growth of spotted knapweed. Clipping treatments, simulating utilization, used in this study were 0, 30, 60 and 90% and frequency (1, 2 or 3 times in 14-day intervals). Two watering regimes were also examined (50 ml, three times a week or 150 ml once a week) yielding nine total treatments replicated twice. Experiment was conducted twice. After initial defoliation treatments spotted knapweed seed was evenly broadcast seeded across all plots. Pots were then placed into a growth chamber. After 50 days in the growth camber, all plant material was harvested. Spotted knapweed plants were counted and weighed. Soil plugs were taken of each pot and died at a constant temperature to determine what content. Spotted knapweed and Idaho fescue shoots and roots were separated and measured for total production and root length.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.