Vinton and Hartnett examined the response of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) to bison (Bison bison) grazing and clipping in burned and unburned Kansas tallgrass prairie. While both switchgrass and big bluestem tillers exhibited higher relative growth rates after grazing and clipping for 2-weeks following spring treatment, affected tillers did not regain the stature of ungrazed tillers. Moreover, big bluestem tillers grazed during the first year of the study had a lower relative growth and survival rates than ungrazed tillers in the following year. The relative growth rate of switchgrass following defoliation was similar on burned and unburned sites, while bluestem exhibited a significantly higher rate in the absence of burning.
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