Haferkamp et al. measured the effects of clipping in May or June on western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) growth and tiller dynamics in plots with and without competition from annual brome (Bromus sp.) species. Plants that were clipped in May had greater tiller density and July regrowth than plants clipped in June, but they also had lower total standing crop and their per tiller weight was less than plants clipped in June. Due to reduced competition, removing Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) increased standing crop and tiller density, but not per tiller weight of western wheatgrass plants. Based on these results the authors recommend livestock grazing on western wheatgrass pastures be initiated in May rather than June, to allow sufficient time for regrowth and to maintain the quality of the forage for livestock. Also the noted that Japanese brome removal in western wheatgrass pastures can increase forage production but that more research should be done before this management is implemented.
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.