Authors used an experimental design to investigate seasonal changes in the live and dead phytomass components of a Bromus inermis-Poa pratensis community, and the effects of initial timing, height, and frequency of clipping on accumulated herbage removal in a boreal aspen forest in Alberta. Maximum summer yield, rapid loss of green herbage late in the growing season, and dry matter losses in the standing dead and fallen litter pools over winter characterized the seasonal changes in herbage phytomass on this aspen boreal grassland. The amount of herbage harvested was affected by initial clipping date, clipping height, and frequency of clipping. The greatest accumulated herbage yield was from clipping initiated in May. Light clipping resulted in less phytomass accumulation relative to moderate and heavy clipping. Pasture response to clipping varied with the growth cycle of major plants and also corresponded with the soil water conditions of the area. The interaction between clipping date and frequency demonstrates the importance of temporal rest and resource allocation for the sustained productivity of herbage 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.