Busso and Richards measured the vegetative responses of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) plants to defoliation under drought, normal and irrigated conditions, for three growing seasons. Drought limited initial plant growth, leaf density, and regrowth of both species, however, bluebunch wheatgrass was more negatively effected by drought than crested wheatgrass. Defoliation reduced the number of leaves, growth rate, dry matter production and reproductive biomass of both species, however again, bluebunch was impacted more than crested wheatgrass. The combination of drought and defoliation caused greater reductions in plant production than either disturbance alone, and the results of this study suggest that crested wheatgrass is more tolerant of these disturbances than bluebunch wheatgrass.
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.