Effects of mowing, spring precipitation, soil nutrients and enzymes on grassland productivity

Little research has assessed how the timing and intensity of grazing might affect plant biomass, available nutrients, and soil extracellular enzyme activity (EEA), and how climate change might influence these responses. We tested the effect of two spring precipitation variability (rainfed control, -30% of ambient), two mowing intensity (moderate, severe), and two mowing season treatments (June, October) on plant and soil properties. We detected an interactive effect of precipitation, mowing intensity, and mowing season on plant biomass. When plots were mowed at a moderate intensity, water reductions had irregular effects on plant biomass depending on the mowing season. Plant biomass was also 11% greater in plots mowed at moderate than severe intensities. Most soil nutrients were unaffected by treatments, except for calcium. Soil EEA was unaffected by treatments; however, the activity of a phosphorus (P)-acquisition enzyme was ≥4 times greater than the activity of nitrogen (N)- and carbo..., All data collection and analysis methods are described in, \"Effects of mowing, spring precipitation, soil nutrients and enzymes on grassland productivity\".,