The objective of this Alaska study, by Collins et al., was to heavily graze Canadian bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) to reduce its carbohydrate reserves and competitive vigor, to break down its associated mulch layer, and to expose mineral soil, thereby enhancing germination and survival of competing hardwoods, important as browse and cover for wildlife. Heavy grazing maintained bluejoint in an early phenologic condition, causing it to retain good nutritional quality. Maintenance of forage quality supported uniform utilization of bluejoint through the entire growing season. This treatment reduced the total pool of total nonstructural carbohydrates and N in bluejoint rhizomes, but it did not prevent the grass from increasing at the expense of fireweed weakened by trampling. The competitive vigor of heavily grazed bluejoint in wet, logged sites further indicates its adaptation to disturbance and its competitive nature in absence of forest overstory. Temporary reduction of bluejoint, associated organic covers, and extension of good forage quality through the growing season indicate that heavy grazing is a reforestation tool deserving investigation for drier sites.
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