Reece et al. measured the effects of grazing on organic reserves of prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia) and sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), in pastures that were grazed one time (June, July, August, or October), two times (June and July, June and August, or July and August), or three times (June, July, and August) during the grazing season for four consecutive years. Organic reserves were similar for ungrazed plants and plants grazed one time in October, however, a single grazing event in June, July, or August decreased prairie sandreed reserves and grazing once in July decreased sand bluestem reserves while two or three grazing events throughout the summer decreased organic reserves of both species. The variations in response to single defoliations between species are probably due to the different timing and growth forms of these species, however, the results of this study suggest that prairie sandreed is more susceptible to damage by grazing than sand bluestem, which is usually used as a key species for grazing management. The author concludes that a single, long grazing event is superior to 2 or 3 shorter grazing events throughout the season in pastures containing prairie sandreed and sand bluestem and that prairie sandreed may be a better indicator species for grazing management than the traditionally used sand bluestem.
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