Pedreira and Brown measured plant production of three bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) populations (Pensacola, Tifton 9 and Tifton 14), when plants were exposed to light (10 cm stubble height) or heavy (3.5 cm stubble height) simulated herbivory in this study. Tifton 9 and 14 produced more above-ground biomass than Pensacola plants under light and heavy grazing pressure. Stubble and rhizome yield were highest under light grazing and were always greater for Pensacola plants than Tifton 9 or 14. Based on these results the authors suggest that Tifton 9 and 14 would produce more forage than Pensacola under the grazing management tested in this study, however, they caution that more research is necessary to determine the long-term effects of natural herbivory before grazing recommendations can be made.
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