Seasonal Variation in Total Nonstructural Carbohydrate Levels in Nebraska Sedge

Abstract

Seasonal variation in total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) levels in rhizomes and shoots of Nebraska sedge (Carex nebraskensis Dewey) suggest that grazing too early or too late or both may be detrimental. Samples were collected from a natural population of Nebraska sedge growing in Tule Meadow at 2,170 m elevation in the Sierra Nevada, Calif. TNC reserves in rhizomes decreased to 7.5% of the dry weight during early shoot growth, and reached a peak level of 17.4% in the fall. TNC levels in shoots ranged from a low of 10.6% in the spring to a high of 16% in August, after flowering. TNC levels in emerging shoots averaged 16.4% in September and 19.1% at the end of October.