This study determined the differences in reproductive biomass and seed production between grazed and ungrazed grasses on the northern winter range in Yellowstone National Park. The authors found that grazed and ungrazed plants had similar seed production and aboveground biomass, but the growth form of plants was different. Grazed plants tended to be small with many small tillers, while ungrazed plants tended to be larger and have a few large tillers. The previously grazed plants allocated more biomass to reproduction than ungrazed plants, however previous research both supports and refutes these findings. After a detailed review of the literature, Anderson and Frank suggest that much of the variation in the literature can be eliminated by sorting articles based on the scale of the research (individual plant or plant community response) and the timing of defoliation (early, intermediate, or late season). These factors play a major role in the results of plant growth experiments.
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.