Influence of Rootplowing and Seeding on Composition and Forage Production of Native Grasses

Abstract

Effects of rootplowing, with or without seeding, on forage production and composition of native grasses were determined on a deep upland range site. Percent composition of stoloniferous species, particularly buffalograss, was reduced initially and after 6 growing seasons by the rootplowing treatments. Frequency counts indicated a reduction of Texas wintergrass on rootplowed plots (seeded and nonseeded) compared to an undisturbed, native check area. This reduction the first growing season was attributed to the competitive effect of sorghum almum introduced in the seeding mixture. Unsuccessful establishment of other seeded grasses (sideoats grama and switchgrass) appeared to be related to poor seedbed preparation, competition from sorghum almum plants, and below normal rainfall immediately after seeding. Rootplowing decreased grass production. After 6 growing seasons, significantly less forage per acre was produced on rootplowed-seeded plots than on nonrootplowed plots. Differences in forage production were related to plant composition and density. /// El estudio fué empezado en el año de 1964 en el rancho experimental de Texas en el Municipio de Throckmorton; el diseño incluyó testigo; y se pasó arado para desenraizar sin la siembra y se pasó arado para desenraizar con la siembra. Después de 6 años los dos tratamientos disminuyeron la producción de forraje y composición de zacates deseables. El zacate sorghum almum (Sorghum almum) apareció en la siembra. El arado desenraizador controló el mezquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa).