Effects of clipping and nitrogen application on the growth and reproduction of <italic>Bromus tectorum</italic>

To reasonably utilize the resources of Bromus tectorum in the Junggar Desert, this study conducted a pot experiment exploring the effects of clipping intensity and nitrogen addition on its growth and reproduction. Three clipping intensities as well as nitrogen addition levels were established, respectively: no clipping (A0), stubble height of 7.6 cm (A1), and stubble height of 2.5 cm (A2); along with 0 (N0), 20 (N1), and 40 (N2) g·m-2·a-1. The results showed that clipping and nitrogen application significantly extend the growth period and accelerate regrowth of B. tectorum. Under clipping alone, A1N0 extended the growth period by 7 days, and A2N0 accelerated regrowth by 17%; after nitrogen application, A1N1 extended the growth period by 14 days and increased the regrowth rate by 67%. Clipping had no significant effect on growth parameters (P>0.05), whereas nitrogen application significantly affected plant height, flag leaf length and width, and leaf area (PB. tectorum can be used as an early-spring forage for rational grazing, and the optimal treatment for improving its growth and reproduction is 40 g·m-2·a-1. at a 7.6 cm stubble height.