The appropriate initial grazing date and severity was determined for 3 seeded pasture grasses (Altai wild ryegrass (Leymus angustus), Russian wild ryegrass (Psathyrostachys junceus), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum)) and a pasture alfalfa (Medicago sativa), using simulated grazing and forage yield measurements. Initial clipping height affected subsequent forage yield more than timing of initial clipping, and the results suggested that moderate clipping, which may increase forage yield during the treatment year, actually decreased long term forage production. Timing of clipping was more important in years with low precipitation, when earlier clipping (prior to July) reduced forage yields of all species. In general, the authors recommended light grazing the first year after seeded grasses have established and that the first grazing of crested wheatgrass and Russian wild ryegrass should not be until late June while Altai wild ryegrass and alfalfa should not be grazed until July.
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