Using Growing-Season Precipitation to Predict Crested Wheatgrass Yields

Abstract

Forage available for use by live-stock varies with the season in which ranges are used. Specific precipitation patterns accounted for 87% or more of the variation in forage yields of crested wheatgrass grazed at different seasons in the Front Range of Colorado. Rainfall in April determined forage yields of ranges grazed in the spring; May and July rain-fall determined forage yields for fall-grazed ranges. Expected forage yields and stocking rates can therefore be predicted from precipitation measurements.