Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Harvest frequency and burning effects on mono-cultures of 3 warm-season grasses
Author
Cuomo, G. J., B. E. Anderson, L. J. Young, W. W. Wilhelm
Publication Year
1969
Body

Harvest frequency and interaction with burn date affected growing season yield of 3 tallgrass prairie species in Nebraska. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) was the most tolerant, increasing or unchanged under all harvest frequencies, while big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) declined for all harvest frequencies, and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) declined only at a frequency of 3 harvests. Yields were reduced by harvest in unburned or burned in March plots compared to multiple harvests on plots burned after spring plant growth began in April. Significant species x harvest interactions were detected for summer growth and total annual yield, but generally treatments did not increase total annual yield, actually reducing it in subsequent years.

Language
en
Keywords
switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Andropogon gerardii
Sorghastrum nutans
soil moisture
big bluestem
Indiangrass
yield
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