This experiment was designed to simulate the short duration grazing strategy to improve weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) quantity, quality, and utilization by livestock. To assess root mass response to clipping, fertilization, and watering, treatments were imposed on containerized weeping lovegrass growing in a field experiment. All treatments increased above-ground production of weeping lovegrass and root mass was maintained in all clipping treatments except the watered and fertilized treatment. Root mass of fertilized and watered plants was most likely reduced because these plants were clipped more frequently than plants in other treatments since they regrew so quickly after defoliation. Masters and Britton conclude that based on this simulation of a forage management strategy, periodic harvest of weeping lovegrass combined with fertilization improved herbage dry matter yield and water-use efficiency without adversely affecting root mass when interval between harvest events averaged 32-35 days.
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.