In this study, Phillips et al. determined the affects of short-duration, high intensity grazing, during different grazing intervals, on the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and in-vitrodry- matter digestibility (IVDMD) of water sedge (Carex aquatilis) and planeleaf willow (Salix planifolia) the following year. The year after grazing, samples were collected at intervals reflecting the previous year's season of use (late spring, early-summer, late-summer, fall, and control (no grazing); N, P, and IVDMD all declined as the season progressed. Water sedge and planeleaf willow responded differently to grazing, however both plant species had higher N, P, and IVDMD when they were grazed the previous year than those that had not been grazed. This study supported the hypothesis that grazing by cattle would improve forage quality in a riparian ecosystem, although results varied with life form.
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