ARS | Publication request: EFFECTS OF CLIPPING DATE, HEIGHT, AND DISTANCE FROM STREAM ON REGROWTH OF HERBACEOUS RIPARIAN VEGETATION

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2001
Publication Date: February 5, 2002
Citation: BOYD, C.S., SVEJCAR, A.J. EFFECTS OF CLIPPING DATE, HEIGHT, AND DISTANCE FROM STREAM ON REGROWTH OF HERBACEOUS RIPARIAN VEGETATION. SOCIETY FOR RANGE MANAGEMENT MEETING ABSTRACTS. 2003.

Technical Abstract: Livestock grazing management in riparian zones typically centers around leaving a pre-determined stubble height following grazing. However, empirical data to support the use of specific stubble heights is minimal. Previous research indicates that timing of grazing may also be an important factor in determining regrowth potential. Our objectives were to determine the effects of stubble height following growing season grazing, timing of grazing, and distance to stream on end-of-growing season herbaceous regrowth in riparian plant communities. We used a randomized block design with 4, 4 x 6m study sites on each of 3 streams in northern Harney County, Oregon. In June and July of 2000 and 2001, 40 x 50cm experimental plots were clipped to 5.1 (2 inch), 10.2 (4 inch), or 15.3cm (6 inch) stubble height and paired control plots were left unclipped. Complete treatment sets were located adjacent to the stream and 5 meters distant at each site. All plots were clipped to 1cm in October and regrowth was calculated by comparing clipped and control plots. Preliminary data indicate regrowth by height decreased with clipping in July and clipping to 5.1cm stubble height, but was unaffected by distance to stream. Regrowth by weight was unaffected by clipping date but was positively correlated with clipping height for plots adjacent to the stream. Distant plots had less regrowth at 5.1cm.