Burning and clipping effects on bluebunch wheatgrass productivity
This study compared the response of bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribner and Smith) to the removal of standing dead grass by burning and by clipping. Dormant plants were either clipped or burned in September, individually, or as part of a 3.14 m/sup 2/ area centered on the study plant. This treatment design allowed determination of the effect of competition on productivity. Clipping and burning of dormant bluebunch wheatgrass clumps significantly shortened leaf length. Biomass and the formation of seedheads were significantly reduced by clipping but not by burning. The lack of measurable effects between plants treated alone and as part of a surrounding treated area suggests that competition from nearby individuals had an insignificant role in regulating bluebunch wheatgrass productivity in the first season after treatment. 13 references, 1 figures, 1 table.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6763107
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/RL/01830-T25; ON: DE84011876
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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