To determine the effects of grazing on tiller cold tolerance, Kowalenko and Romo measured survival of northern wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum syn. Elymus lanceolatus) tillers mowed at different times during the grazing season and exposed to different temperatures and lengths of cold stress. In general, mowed tillers had greater survival rates than control (un-mowed) tillers, and as the temperature decreased and the length of time under cold stress increased, tiller survival decreased. The greater survival of mowed tillers was unexpected and was probably related to the lower water content of the mowed tillers, which, when analyzed, was directly related to survival. The results of this study suggest that grazing will not decrease the cold tolerance of northern wheatgrass tillers, however, the mowing treatments in this study were not repeated and defoliation was to a standard stubble height, which may not accurately simulate grazing. Grazing can also reduce litter cover, which can insulate plants and reduce cold stress, therefore more research will need to be done to determine the effects of actual grazing on these plants.
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.