Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) survival and plant characteristics were measured after plants were exposed to clipping treatments at two sites varying in elevation. Weekly defoliations to a 5-cm stubble height produced the greatest mortality, especially when plants were clipped season long or during the spring growth period (April - June, depending on elevation). Plant survival, leaf height, plant yield and the number of tillers and flowering culms increased as stubble height remaining after clipping increased. Based on these results the authors suggested that bluebunch wheatgrass cannot tolerate severe defoliation, especially during the spring growth period, most likely because stored carbohydrates are reduced by these clipping treatments.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.