Effect of Three Intensities of Clipping on the Density and Production of Meadow Vegetation

Abstract

An important part of the forage on cattle ranges of the Bighorn National Forest in north central Wyoming is obtained from the narrow alluvial meadows bordering stream courses. These areas are small in proportion to the total rangeland, but they are potentially productive and serve an integral function in the overall range program. Grazing on these meadows tends to be concentrated, unless isolated by natural or manmade barriers. Native herbaceous vegetation of these meadows consists primarily of ovalhead sedge (Carex festivella Mackenz.), b e a k e d sedge (C. rostrata S t o k e s ), Raynold's sedge (C. raynoldsi Dewey), dunhead sedge (C. phaeocephala Piper), baltic rush (Juncus balticus Willd.), and tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv.). An overstory of willows (Salix spp. L.) on the w e t t e r sites and shrubby cinquef oil (Potentilla fruticosa L.) on the drier sites is often present. The adverse effect of close and