ARS | Publication request: MANAGING ANNUAL BROMES IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 1, 2009
Publication Date: December 1, 2009
Citation: Vermeire, L.T., Rinella, M.J., Muscha, J.M. 2009. MANAGING ANNUAL BROMES IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS. Symposium Proceedings Range Beef Cow Symposium, Casper, WY.

Interpretive Summary: Annual bromes periodically have substantial impact on rangelands in the northern Great Plains. The often rapid increases in annual brome populations and there negative effects on forage and animal production are justified cause for concern. However, population increases are predictable and management tools have been successfully identified for short-term control. Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory is examining new applications of established methods and testing whether careful timing and integration of control methods may be key to long-term reduction of annual bromes. Results to date indicate herbicide, grazing and fire are each effective tools in managing annual bromes. Growth regulating herbicides have caused sterility of annual brome seed without reducing perennial grass production. Grazing when inflorescences are emerging immediately reduced germination from the soil seedbank about 45%. Fire has been effective through direct consumption of annual brome plants and seeds and has reduced germination by litter reduction and drying of the soil surface. Ongoing research is investigating how the timing and integration of these management tools will affect the life span of control measures and how other species are affected. We expect that fire and grazing management can be followed by growth regulating herbicides to rapidly deplete the annual brome seedbank.

Technical Abstract: Annual bromes periodically have substantial impact on rangelands in the northern Great Plains. The often rapid increases in annual brome populations and there negative effects on forage and animal production are justified cause for concern. However, population increases are predictable and management tools have been successfully identified for short-term control. Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory is examining new applications of established methods and testing whether careful timing and integration of control methods may be key to long-term reduction of annual bromes.