Effect of Burning and Clipping on Big Bluestem Reserve Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate content of rhizomes and stem bases of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman) at different times during the growing season were measured on plots with different clipping and burning treatments. Big bluestem on plots burned May 1 had higher herbage yields, percent nitrogen, and total nitrogen in forage than that on unburned plots. Rapid vegetative growth during mid-July reduced carbohydrate percentages in rhizomes and stem bases of big bluestem. Burning did not affect final storage of carbohydrate on unclipped plots, but, in general, it reduced carbohydrate reserves on clipped plots. Late season clipping reduced carbohydrate reserves more than early season clipping.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202