Response of Forage Yield and Crude Protein Level to Defoliation on the Basis of Weight as Opposed to Height in Pasture Grasses

This study was initiated to collect and interpret yield data on the response of four pasture grasses to the specific-weight as opposed to the uniform-height method of foliage removal. Preliminary clipping studies were initiated in 1955 with intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Additional clipping studies were established with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). When equivalent quantities of forage were removed during a favorable growing season greater yields were produced by forage clipped on a weight basis. When environmental conditions were unfavorable, greater yields were produced by forage clipped on a uniform height basis because the removal of forage was restricted to a level above a selected height. Advisor: Elverne C. Conrad