Forage Production and Utilization in a Sprayed Aspen Forest in Alberta

Abstract

In aspen forest in Alberta, Canada, receiving as little as 3 lb/acre of 2,4-D in a single application achieved an annual herbage production of 874 lb/acre 2 years after treatment compared to only 188 lb/acre in the control. Sprayed forest border areas (small aspen) showed a four-fold increase in herbage production. Grasses, sedges, and forbs increased in herbage production in sprayed forests. Only two forbs were detrimentally affected by the herbicides. In the sprayed forest area, even though there was a considerable amount of obstruction, cattle were able to consume 48% of the total herbage and as much as 58% of the green herbage. However, even with the inclusion of 2,4,5-T in the second herbicide application, there were many woody species in the treatment areas with as high or higher densities than in the control.