Blue Oak Canopy Effect on Seasonal Forage Production and Quality

Abstract

Forage production and forage quality were measured seasonally beneath the canopy of blue oak (Quercus douglasii) and in open grassland at the San Joaquin Experimental Range. At the March and peak standing crop sampling dates forage production was significantly greater (p=.05) beneath blue oak compared to open grassland. At most sampling dates, the protein content was greater, and at some dates the acid detergent fiber and lignin concentration was lower, in forage beneath blue oak than in open grassland. Increased forage production and better forage quality beneath blue oak canopy demonstrate the value of scattered blue oaks in this region of California.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the symposium on oak woodlands and hardwood rangeland management; October 31 - November 2, 1990; Davis, California

Citation

Frost, William E.; McDougald, Neil K.; Demment, Montague W. 1991. Blue Oak Canopy Effect on Seasonal Forage Production and Quality. In: Standiford, Richard B., tech. coord. 1991. Proceedings of the symposium on oak woodlands and hardwood rangeland management; October 31 - November 2, 1990; Davis, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-126. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 307-311