Authors applied simulated grazing events in April, May, or June at 3 different intensities (0, 5, or 10 cm stubble heights) to determine if spring defoliation could enhance production or quality of late summer forage in pastures containing prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia). Removing vegetation to ground level in April was the only treatment that increased September yield of prairie sandreed. Clipping earlier in the season also increased the yield of other species. While in comparison, June removal of 50-100% of the vegetation significantly reduced yield but enhanced quality of prairie sandreed and other species in September. The authors concluded that the enhanced forage quantity and quality associated with severe defoliations in April and June does not justify the risks of this management practice in an area that has frequent droughts which can reduce regrowth for late summer grazing, and therefore they recommend a single late April or late summer grazing event to maintain plant populations and cattle performance in these pastures.
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