Hardwood control increases forage. - -Between 1948 and 1950, 

 grass production doubled on an area that was converted from oaks to 

 pines by underplanting and hardwood control (fig. 19). Prior to 1948 

 the area supported about 330 scrub oaks per acre. Grass under these 

 hardwoods averaged 700 pounds per acre. In February 1948, pine seed- 

 lings were planted at a spacing of 6 by 6 feet, and the hardwoods were 

 girdled or poisoned with Ammate. 



Grass growth was stimulated immediately. By 1950, it aver- 

 aged 1, 886 pounds per acre, more than twice as much as before. Since 

 it was also more succulent and nutritious, cattle showed a definite pref- 

 erence for it. By 1958 the increased forage will probably total 6 cow- 

 months of grazing per acre. With good cattle management, grazing will 

 repay a major part of the cost of hardwood control. 



Management of slender bluestem ranges. --A study was started 

 in 1952 to determine how slender bluestem (Andropogon tener) is affected 

 by burning, grazing, and competition from pine trees. The study will 

 also show how three degrees of grazing and burning affect the growth of 

 slash and longleaf pine. The study consists of 18 fenced plots of 1/3- 

 acre each. Six of the plots will be ungrazed, six moderately grazed, and 

 six heavily grazed from April to July of each year. Two plots in each 

 category will be unburned, two will be prescribe-burned, and two will be 

 burned by wildfire. The two burning treatments will be applied early in 

 1955 and at three-year intervals thereafter. Half of each plot has been 

 planted with pine seedlings - -75 longleaf and 75 slash. Records show 

 forage production and utilization, grazing and fire damage to pine trees, 

 changes in the composition of the grass stand, and water infiltration 

 rate s. 



The main purpose is to find basic facts to guide improved manage- 

 ment of forest ranges dominated by slender bluestem. Since the other 

 bluestem species maintain higher nutritive value in summer, fall, and. 

 winter, it is hoped that some of the treatments will reduce the proportion 

 of slender bluestem and increase the more valuable species. Meanwhile, 

 the study is yielding precise information on forage production, grazing 

 capacity, and grazing damage to pine seedlings. 



Improvement of Forage on Forest Range 



One of the major problems in utilizing forest ranges is that the 

 forage has such limited nutritional value in summer, fall, and winter. 

 Many livestock owners want to know if and how they can grow more 



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