Cid et al. examined western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) plants from heavily grazed prairie dog colonies (40 years) and exclosures by defoliated plants 4 times at 6 weeks intervals. Although there were no differences in cumulative shoot biomass production between populations (of plants exposed to grazing and not), defoliation increased production above the clipping height (22% greater above ground production). The lack of interaction between population and defoliation treatment indicates both populations responded similarly to defoliation. Total amount of silica did not differ between populations and treatments, but concentrations varied between plant parts, being highest in the roots and leaf blades, and lowest in rhizomes.
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