The effects of light and heavy grazing on the non-structural carbohydrate concentrations of Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa caucasica) plant parts were determined in this study. Non-structural carbohydrate concentrations of Caucasian bluestem plants were lower in the heavily grazed pasture during the first season of grazing. However, in the second year of the study, grazing intensity did not effect carbohydrate concentrations. Carbohydrate concentrations were greatest in plant crowns in the heavily grazed pasture and in plant stems in the lightly grazed pasture. These results suggest that after a brief adjustment period, Caucasian bluestem plants can tolerate continuous heavy grazing for several years by altering the storage site of non-structural carbohydrates in the plant.
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.