Busso et al. measured the effects of simulated grazing on total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) storage and regrowth of bluebunch (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) under varying moisture levels (drought, natural, and irrigation). Clipped plants of both species, exposed to natural moisture conditions, had lower root TNC pools than non-clipped plants. Root TNC pools were greatest in the clipped, drought exposed plants of both species, indicating that the response to grazing depended on the moisture level. A significant relationship could not be established between TNC concentrations and spring regrowth, while a positive relationship between TNC concentrations and dark regrowth was established in the second year of the study, mainly due to the large TNC pools and high dark regrowth produced by drought treated plants. In general, simulated grazing did not affect TNC concentrations in bluebunch or crested wheatgrass as much as moisture level, and this study suggests that grazed, or non-grazed plants, that are exposed to drought accumulate high TNC concentrations to initiate regrowth once water stress is relieved.
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