Some Effects of Chopping Saw-Palmetto-Pineland Threeawn Range in South Florida

Abstract

The cutover pinelands of south Florida are fire-dependent communities dominated by saw-palmetto and pineland threeawn, two low-quality species. Land managers interested in cattle, wildlife, or timber production seek effective ways of controlling these species. Chopping is generally used to accomplish such control. This study was designed to discover differences in forage production and species composition as a result of season of chopping. Although important differences were not revealed, chopping during periods of low soil moisture appeared to give best results. Generally, saw-palmetto was reduced from 24% to 3% coverage, while the yield of pineland threeawn decreased from an average of 80% to near 20%. Desirable species such as bluestems, panicums, paspalums, and razorsedge became abundant. After 2 years, total herbage production increased from a normally expected 3,600 lb per acre to an average of 5,400 lb per acre.