In Nebraska, Mousel et al. conducted a 3-year (1999, 2000, 2001) pasture experiment to determine the effects of timing and frequency of grazing on big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) etiolated tiller growth and root and rhizome structure. Mean number and weight of etiolated tillers were reduced by up to 40% and 50%, respectively, in paddocks grazed in a sequence of June after internode elongation, early August, and early September. Root structure in the top 30 cm of the soil profile was most affected by multiple defoliation events with less than 40 days of recovery between grazing periods. To maintain vigorous big bluestem pastures, grazing management should concentrate on the elongation and post-elongation periods. Grazing at the elongation stage should be rotated among paddocks in successive years and the recovery period following grazing at internode elongation should be greater than 40 days.
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