Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Cutting frequency and cutting height effects on rough fescue and parry oat grass yields
Author
Willms, W. D.
Publication Year
1969
Body

Author measured the effects of different frequencies and intensities of defoliation on rough fescue and parry oat grass regrowth and yield. Rough fescue yield declined as clipping frequency increased and the greatest yields were produced when a single defoliation treatment was applied in late August. Parry oat grass was able to maintain lower yields over a wide range of clipping frequencies and intensities and production was even enhanced under moderate clipping by the third year of defoliation. Grazing rough fescue/Parry oat grass pastures, during the growing season, will likely reduce composition of rough fescue and increase Parry oat grass. In contrast, late or dormant season grazing will maintain rough fescue composition and produce more forage. More research needs to be conducted to determine the nutritional and economic consequences of both of these management practices before recommendations can be made.

Language
en
Keywords
grasslands
plant production
clipping height
clipping interval
danthonia parryi
Festuca scabrella
Harvest
simulated grazing
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