Influence of Spring, Fall, and Spring-Fall Grazing on Crested Wheatgrass Range

Abstract

Grazing crested wheatgrass during spring only, fall only, and spring and fall to a 1-inch stubble height for 10 years had little effect on vegetative characteristics of the seeded stands. Invasion of the stands by other species was greater with spring or spring-fall use than with fall use. Litter decreased with all seasonal treatments, but decreased most under spring-fall use. Drought and growing-season moisture were the critical factors in determining forage yields. The spring-fall pastures produced more forage, provided more days of grazing, and gave the highest average beef production, 177 lb/season. Spring grazing was next and fall grazing the least productive for animal weight gains.