We established an experiment in 2021 to investigate the effects of fire on Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). reproduction. For the third year, we visited 378 randomly placed plots across 27 remnant patches and counted the number of flowering Andropogon culms rooted within 1 m of the random point. We also harvested seed heads to directly examine reproductive outcomes. In 2023, we counted a total of 1814 culms. The highest density we observed was 165 culms in one plot at KJs, but it wasn’t enough to beat the standing records from 2022 of 197 culms…
With the help of Elif and Carleton externs, we are making progress on a protocol that will enable us to efficiently quantify seed production. Stay tuned!
- Start year: 2021
- Location: 27 patches of talgrass prairie near Solem Township, MN
- Overlaps with: burnRems
- Data collected: All reproductive effort data have been curated and are housed in remag repo.
- Samples or specimens collected: Seed heads collected during summer 2023 are in Jared’s office. These samples will be cleaned, processed, and x-rayed to quantify seed set. All 2021 samples have been cleaned and weighed. Most 2022 samples have been cleaned and weighed. All samples will be x-rayed this winter.
- Products: Stay tuned!
You can read more about the Andropogon fire and flowering in remnants experiment, as well as links to prior flog entries about this experiment, on the background page for this experiment.
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