Carbohydrate reserves: what you learned may be wrong
Document Type
Book
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Utah State University Extension
Publisher
Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation & Ecosystem Management
Publication Date
6-2012
Last Page
2pp.
Abstract
or many years, managers have used the carbohydrate reserve theory to decide when grazing should occur to maintain healthy plants. This theory states that the soluble carbohydrates stored in the roots and crowns of plants indicate plant health and ability to regrow following grazing. According to the theory, during the early vegetative stage of plant growth, carbohydrate "reserves" are low, so plants should not be grazed. During late vegetative and early reproductive stages of growth, carbohydrate "reserves" are higher, and plants can better tolerate grazing (see figure 1). Over the years, a great deal of research has been conducted to produce carbohydrate concentration curves for grasses, forbs, and shrubs, as illustrated below.
Recommended Citation
Burritt, Elizabeth A. and Reid, Chad, "Carbohydrate reserves: what you learned may be wrong" (2012). Wildland Resources Faculty Publications. Paper 1537.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/wild_facpub/1537
