Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
184. Oefinger, R. D., and C. J. Scifres. 1977. Gulf cordgrass production,
utilization, and nutritional value following burning. Tex. Agric.
Exper. Stn. Bull. GB-1176. 19 pp.
Trends for gulf cordgrass herbage production were similar across five sites although burning date varied. During periods of adequate soil moisture, herbage production postburn was greatly enhanced, but the rate of recovery was highly dependent upon site characteristics. The extent of utilization of cordgrass by livestock is regulated by date of burn and site characteristics, but availability of alternative forages also reduced use. Nutrient content of gulf cordgrass herbage decreased as the percentages of old growth increased at each site. Digestible energy of cordgrass following burning may attain almost 2,800 keel/kg. Burning in the early fall allowed cordgrass regrowth for cattle throughout winter when other range forages were dormant and provided sufficient protein through early spring, when cattle switched to other forages. Range sites with ample soil moisture and nutrients are optimum for use of burning as an improvement tool. Saline sites not conducive to growth of other vegetation are also suitable for burning. [K-L-S]
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/literatr/firewild/bib/184.htm
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