United States Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Bismarck, North Dakota

Helping People Help the Land

Big Bluestem Biomass Trials

in North Dakota, South Dakota,

and Minnesota
Who We Are

Plants are an important tool for conservation. 

The Bismarck Plant Materials Center (PMC) is part 

of the United States Department of Agriculture, 

Natural Resouces Conservation Service

(USDA, NRCS). It is one of a network of 27 

centers nationwide dedicated to providing 

vegetative solutions to conservation problems. 

The Plant Materials program has been providing 

conservation plant materials and technology since 

1934.

Contact Us

USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center

3308 University Drive

Bismarck, ND 58504

Phone: (701)250-4330

Fax: (701)250-4334

http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov

Acknowledgements

Cooperators and partners in the warm-season 

grass evaluation trials, together with the USDA, 

NRCS Plant Materials Center at Bismarck, North 

Dakota, have included: the U.S. Department 

of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (J. Clark 

Salyer National Wildlife Refuge near Upham, 

North Dakota; the Wetland Management 

District at Fergus Falls, Minnesota; and the 

Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge near 

Pickstown, South Dakota); the South Dakota 

Department of Agriculture Forestry Division; 

the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, 

and Parks; the Minnesota Department of Natural 

Resources, Division of Forestry; the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers; the USDA, NRCS field and 

area offices and Soil and Water Conservation 

District offices located at Bottineau, North 

Dakota; Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Lake Andes, 

South Dakota; Onida, South Dakota; Rochester, 

Minnesota, and Pierre, South Dakota; the 

Southeastern Minnesota Association of Soil 

and Water Conservation Districts; the Hiawatha 

Valley Resource Conservation and Development 

Area (Minnesota); and the North Central 

Resource Conservation and Development Office 

(South Dakota).

In this photo: 

 Big bluestem 

seed that has been 

debearded is smooth 

and flows easily 

through a grass drill.
Big Bluestem Biomass Trials 

in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota

Dwight Tober, Plant Materials Specialist; Nancy Jensen, Agronomist; 

Wayne Duckwitz, Plant Materials Center Manager; 

and Mike Knudson, Assistant Plant Materials Center Manager; 

USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bismarck, North Dakota

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) is a tall, warm-season perennial grass with short rhizomes. The 

species occurs naturally in every State in the continental United States except Washington, Idaho, Oregon, 

Nevada, and California. It also occurs in adjoining provinces of Canada (USDA NRCS 2006b). It is a very 

palatable grass to livestock. Crude protein and digestibility are high during the summer growing season. 

Seed production is good. Clean seed yields have averaged 100-200 pounds per acre at the USDA-NRCS 

Plant Materials Center (PMC) at Bismarck, North Dakota. Big bluestem prefers moist, well drained, deep 

soils but will tolerate dry, low pH, and low fertility soils. It is used for erosion control, livestock grazing, 

wildlife habitat, and native prairie restoration.

Dry matter biomass yields and other information were compiled from 1982 to 1992 at six sites in North 

Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The effects of seed origin (parentage) on plant performance was 

apparent. Seven seed sources/varieties of big bluestem were evaluated. Southern seed sources generally 

had heavier biomass production. Plant density (stand index) was generally greater for northern origin seed 

sources. Northern seed sources moved more than 200 miles southward from their origin generally performed 

poorly, and biomass was significantly less than more southern origin sources. There were less days to seed 

maturity (phenology) for the more northern origin seed sources compared to the more southern origin seed 

sources. 

Trial Sites

The trial sites were 

studied in cooperation 

with numerous partners 

(see Acknowledgements). 

They were located near 

Upham, North Dakota; 

Fergus Falls, Minnesota; 

Rochester, Minnesota; 

Lake Andes, South 

Dakota; Onida, South 

Dakota; and Fort Pierre, 

South Dakota. Soils and 

precipitation information 

is included with the 

tables. Growing seasons 

at the six locations 

varied from an average 

1
of 110 days at Upham, North Dakota, 

to an average of 150 days at Rochester, 

Minnesota. Average annual precipitation 

ranged from 15 to 30 inches. Seven to 

nine different species of warm-season 

grasses were evaluated at each site. Each 

species included two or more varieties or 

seed sources. Big bluestem is the only 

species presented in this report.

Methods and Materials

The experimental design was a 

randomized complete block with 

three replications for data collection. 

An evaluation array was seeded for 

demonstration purposes. Plot size varied 

from 12 to 15 feet in width, and from 60 

to 100 feet in length. A clean, firm seedbed was prepared by disking, harrowing, and roller packing. The 

plots were seeded using a native grass drill. Herbicides were used for weed control. Biomass residue was 

removed each spring either by mowing and raking, or burning. No fertilizer was applied.

Data collection at all six locations included stand ratings, plant height, weed contamination, stand index 

density, phenology, and annual biomass production. Only biomass production, stand density, and phenology 

are presented and discussed in this report.

Stand index density was 

determined by estimating 

the number of plants 

in a 9-inch by 16-inch 

quadrat. Ten quadrats were 

systematically counted near 

the center line of each plot. 

A density index rating was 

developed. Values ranging 

from 0 to 40 plants per 

square foot were used to 

estimate density for each 

subsample. 

Oven-dried biomass 

production was documented 

at all sites beginning the 

second year following 

establishment. Biomass 

2

All plots were planted into a clean, firm seedbed
production was determined by clipping a 2-foot by 10-foot subplot in each plot with a forage harvester. 

Sampling dates were as close as possible to the end of the growing season (first killing frost). The sample 

plots were systematically located within each plot across the treatment and clipped to a stubble height of 

approximately 2 inches. After weighing the large samples, small (100 gram) grab-samples were weighed, 

oven-dried at 60 degrees C for 48 hours, and reweighed to determine moisture content. Percent dry matter 

weight of the large sample was used to determine average annual biomass production in pounds per acre.

Estimating plant density 

in 10 quadrats/plot 

to determine stand index

Sampling biomass harvest 

to determine moisture content 

and overall production

Harvesting 10-foot by 2-foot strips to determine biomass yield

3
Variety/Seed Source Origins

Bison

The original plants (NDG-4, PI 477994) were collected 

from a native stand near Price, Oliver County in central 

North Dakota. Plants were selected for uniformity 

of plant type, leafiness, vigor, seed yield, and winter 

hardiness. Bison is 20 days earlier in anthesis than 

Bonilla and 30-48 days earlier than Kaw, Champ, 

and Pawnee. It tends to be shorter in mature height. 

The chromosome number is 2n=6x=60. Bison was 

released by the USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, North Dakota, 

and USDA-ARS and North Dakota and Minnesota 

Agricultural Experiment Stations.

Bison big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Upham

Fergus

Falls

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

Bonilla

The original seed (SD-27, PI 315658) was collected from 

native stands at two sites near Bonilla, Beadle County in 

east central South Dakota. Plants grown from original 

seed collections were selected for high seed and forage 

yields, and winter survival. It was released by the 

USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, North Dakota, USDA-ARS, 

and the Agricultural Experiment Stations of North 

Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Bonilla big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Upham

Fergus

Falls

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

Sunnyview

The original seed (SD-43) was collected in Union County 

in southeastern South Dakota. Seed from two cycles 

of selection produced the breeder seed. Selections 

were made for increased seed viability, flower culm 

production, seed yield, vigor, and leafiness. It was 

developed and released by South Dakota State University 

in cooperation with the South Dakota Agricultural 

Experiment Station and USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, North 

Dakota.

Sunnyview big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Upham

Fergus

Falls

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

4
Champ

Champ was developed by hybridization of five typical 

clones of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) from 

the fine textured prairie soils of Iowa and southeastern 

Nebraska with five clones of sand bluestem (Andropogon 

hallii) from the northern Nebraska sandhills. It is leafy, 

and seed set and seed quality are superior to those of 

ordinary bluestem. It was developed and released by 

the USDA-ARS and University of Nebraska at Lincoln, 

Nebraska.

Champ big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Upham

Fergus

Falls

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

Rountree

Rountree originated from a native stand near Morehead, 

Monona County in west central Iowa. It was selected for 

increased seedling vigor, increased leaf rust resistance, 

superior forage and seed production, and increased 

resistance to lodging. It was developed by the USDANRCS at Elsberry, Missouri, in cooperation with the 

Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station.

Rountree big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

Pawnee

The original plant material was collected from native prairie 

in Pawnee County in southeastern Nebraska. Several 

generations of selections were based on culm height and 

inflorescence color. The amount of pubescence varies 

considerably on seed heads. Pawnee produces good forage 

yields superior to native strains. It was released by the 

USDA-ARS and the Nebraska Agicultural Experiment 

Station, Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Pawnee big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Upham

Fergus

Falls

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

5
Kaw

The original plant material was a composite of 

collections from native grasslands in the Flint Hills of 

east central Kansas. It is a late maturing, tall, uniformly 

leafy variety that is somewhat resistant to rust. It was 

released by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station 

at Manhattan, Kansas.

6

Kaw big bluestem

5-year average forage production

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Upham

Fergus

Falls

Lake

Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre

Location

pounds/acre

photo by Paul Nyren Big bluestem provides high quality summer grazing
Upham, North Dakota

Average annual precipitation for the five years of biomass harvest was near normal. The lowest biomass 

production was in 1987 when the average precipitation was 1.23 inches below normal. Average biomass 

yields were generally excellent on the fertile silty clay loam soils, and biomass generally averaged 4,000 to 

6,000 pounds per acre, except in 1987. Sunnyview produced almost 8,000 pounds per acre in 1983. Bison 

and Bonilla, the two most northern origin varieties, had the highest average stand index estimate, 30 and 32, 

respectively. Kaw, the most southern origin variety, had the lowest density at 18. Plant maturity in early 

August varied from 50 percent ripe seed for Bison to vegetative for Kaw. Bonilla, Sunnyview, and Champ 

were at 50 percent anthesis.

Upham, North Dakota (MLRA 55A, north central North Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 16.08 inches

Soils: Great Bend silty clay loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Avg Rank 1982-1984* Early Aug.

Precip. deviation (0.98) (0.9) (1.63) (-0.09) (-1.23)

Bison 6270ab 6181a 5298a 5335ab 2383bc 5093 2 30 7

Bonilla 6471ab 3444c 4486a 5121b 1796c 4264 6 32 5

Sunnyview 7981a 6361a 6269a 6862a 2469bc 5988 1 25 5

Champ 6719ab 4695b 4347a 5428ab 3403a 4918 3 21 5

Pawnee 5877ab 5075ab 4641a 4948b 1997bc 4508 5 26 3

Kaw 4601ab 5194ab 6189a 5842ab 2752ab 4916 4 18 1

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1984): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

Sunnyview had the highest 5-year 

average biomass yield (5,988 lb/ac)

Bison and Bonilla had the highest 

average stand index estimates

7
Fergus Falls, Minnesota

The soils on this site are a well drained loam complex formed in calcareous glacial till. There were two 

years of well below normal precipitation, 1983 (-3.96) and 1987 (-7.2). The lowest biomass yields overall 

were in 1987 when the average annual precipitation was more than 7 inches below average. Bison and Kaw 

had the lowest average biomass yields and the earliest and latest phenology, respectively. The other varieties 

had average biomass yields of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds per acre. Sunnyview again had the highest biomass 

yield across all years, with 6,623 pounds per acre in 1984. Bison and Bonilla had the highest stand index 

at 23 and 25, respectively. Phenology in early September varied from ripe seed for Bison and Bonilla to 

jointing for Kaw. Pawnee was at first emergence of inflorescence, and Sunnyview and Champ were at 50 

percent anthesis.

Fergus Falls, Minnesota (MLRA 102A, west central Minnesota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 23.52 inches

Soils: Barnes and Langhei loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Avg Rank 1983-1984* Early Sept.

Precip. deviation (-3.96) (1.54) (.85) (6.23) (-7.2)

Bison 4139a 3283b 2615a 3053b 1298b 2878 6 23 7

Bonilla 5058a 4370ab 3981a 3883ab 2055ab 3869 4 25 6

Sunnyview 4613a 6623a 3908a 6528a 3439a 5022 1 20 5

Champ 3875a 4813ab 4664a 4664ab 2129ab 4029 3 14 5

Pawnee 5295a 5591ab 4059a 3948ab 2141ab 4207 2 21 3

Kaw 4673a 3892ab 3108a 2760b 1629ab 3212 5 21 2

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1983): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

8

Phenology was recorded 

throughout the growing season

Sunnyview had the highest 

5-year average biomass yield (5,022 lb/ac)
Lake Andes, South Dakota

The soils are a fertile Agar silt loam. Three years of above average rainfall influenced biomass production 

at this site. The highest biomass yields were recorded in 1986 when all entries averaged between 5,338 and 

7,809 pounds per acre. Sunnyview had the highest annual yield in 1986 and the highest five-year average 

biomass yield. Bonilla had the highest stand index at 39, and Champ the lowest at 15. Phenology in early 

September varied from Bison and Bonilla having first ripe seed, to Pawnee and Kaw, being at first anthesis. 

Sunnyview, Champ, and Rountree were at 50 percent anthesis. 

Lake Andes, South Dakota (MLRA 55C, southeast South Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 21.37 inches

Soils: Agar silt loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 Avg Rank 1984 Early Sept.

Precip. deviation (12.9) (-.21) (10.7) (3.71) (1.0)

Bison 2272c 4907a 5338a 2937bc 3725c 3836 6 27 6

Bonilla 4086abc 2441a 5536a 2125c 3195c 3477 7 39 6

Sunnyview 4887ab 4262a 7809a 4200ab 5427ab 5317 1 24 5

Champ 4114abc 4164a 5377a 5095a 5745a 4899 3 15 5

Rountree 3426bc 3663a 7657a 4502a 4168bc 4683 4 16 5

Pawnee 3658abc 4084a 5928a 2810bc 3885c 4073 5 29 4

Kaw 5629a 3846a 7796a 4505a 4591abc 5273 2 29 4

9

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1984): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

One of many evaluation site tours Plots of big bluestem were randomized with plots 

of six other warm-season species
Onida, South Dakota

The soil at the site is a Lowry silt loam, which is fertile but droughty. Average annual precipitation was 

near normal for three years, considerably above normal in 1986 (5.27 inches), and below normal in 1988 

(-4.07 inches). The two most southern origin sources, Kaw and Pawnee, had the highest five-year average 

biomass production with over 3,000 pounds per acre. Both entries yielded over 7,000 pounds per acre with 

high rainfall in 1986. The remaining five varieties each had a similar five-year average biomass production 

of approximately 2,000 pounds per acre. Sunnyview was ranked second for five-year average biomass 

production and produced almost 6,000 pounds per acre in 1986. Stand index ratings were similar for all 

entries and ranged from 21 to 31. Phenology differences were similar to the other sites. Bison, the earliest 

maturing, had ripe seed while Pawnee and Kaw, the latest maturing, were at first anthesis in early September. 

Bonilla, Sunnyview, Champ, and Rountree were at 50 percent anthesis or first seed ripe.

Onida, South Dakota (MLRA 53C, central South Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 17.47 inches

Soils: Lowry silt loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Avg Rank 1984-1985* Early Sept.

Precip. deviation (.13) (5.27) (-1.86) (-4.07) (.33)

Bison 405c 4588a 3120a 1571a 1237a 2184 3 28 8

Bonilla 666bc 4625a 3208a 856a 392a 1949 6 26 6

Sunnyview 889bc 5913a 2768a 1006a 699a 2255 2 26 6

Champ 1148abc 5222a 2611a 826a 862a 2134 5 25 5

Rountree 1167abc 4897a 2376a 905a 1398a 2149 4 21 5

Pawnee 1545ab 7271a 3115a 1657a 1556a 3029 1 31 4

Kaw 1988a 7597a 3571a 1448a 540a 3029 1 25 4

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1986): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

10

Plants emerging after 

an annual spring burn

Champ is a natural hybrid 

between big bluestem 

and sand bluestem
Rochester, Minnesota

The soils are a well drained, rolling silt loam. This site, with 29.58 inches, had the highest annual 

precipitation of the six test sites. Precipitation was quite variable from year to year. Precipitation was below 

normal in 1987 (-2.63), 1988 (-8.19), and 1989 (-6.85). It was substantially above normal in 1990 (14.36), 

and 1991 (7.33). Biomass was significantly less than expected on this site for all entries. The droughty 

soils with low fertility may have been a factor. Sunnyview had the highest biomass yield in 1987 at 5,879 

pounds per acre, and the second highest five-year average biomass at 3,346 pounds per acre. Pawnee had 

the highest five-year average biomass at 3,377 pounds per acre. Bison and Bonilla had the lowest five-year 

average biomass yields at 1,944 pounds per acre and 1,803 pounds per acre, respectively. Sunnyview and 

Kaw had the lowest stand index estimates at 10 and 18, respectively. The highest stand index estimates were 

for Champ and Rountree, both at 25. Bison had the earliest phenology, with mature seed in early September 

while Bonilla was at 50 percent ripe seed, and Kaw was at first anthesis.

Rochester, Minnesota (MLRA 105, southeast Minnesota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 29.58 inches

Soils: Mount Carrol silt loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Avg Rank 1985-1987* Early Sept.

Precip. deviation (-2.63) (-8.19) (-6.85) (14.36) (7.33)

Bison 2182c 2595a 1917b 1769b 1255a 1944 6 23 8

Bonilla 3164bc 1899a 2012b 1477b 461c 1803 7 21 7

Sunnyview 5879a 2816a 3947a 2244ab 1844ab 3346 2 10 6

Champ 5543a 2430a 2091b 3495a 1313ab 2974 3 25 6

Rountree 4354ab 1330a 2417ab 2599ab 1204bc 2381 5 25 6

Pawnee 5508a 2908a 3452ab 2971ab 2048a 3377 1 22 5

Kaw 4982ab 2779a 2489ab 2611ab 1575ab 2887 4 18 4

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1988, 1989): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

11

Determining stand index

Sunnyview performed well in 

5-year average biomass yield
Fort Pierre, South Dakota

The soil at the site is Promise clay, which is fertile with low permeability. Infiltration is less than 0.2 inches 

per hour. Three consecutive years (1988, 1989, 1990) of significantly lower than normal rainfall greatly 

reduced annual and five-year average biomass yields. Average annual biomass yields were generally less 

than 1,000 pounds per acre. Precipitation was slightly above normal in 1991 and 1992, and biomass yield 

for some varieties was more than 4,000 pounds per acre. Champ, Pawnee, and Kaw each had approximate 

biomass yields of 5,000 pounds per acre in 1992. Sunnyview again had the lowest stand index density (10), 

and Pawnee (30) and Bison (28) had the highest. The phenology of each variety was similar to that at other 

sites. Bison and Bonilla had mature seed in early September and Kaw and Pawnee were vegetative or just 

starting to joint.

Fort Pierre, South Dakota (MLRA 63A, central South Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 18.08 inches

Soils: Promise clay

(pounds/acre) Stand

Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Avg Rank 1986-1987* Early Sept.

Precip. deviation (-7.3) (-4.77) (-5.74) (.87) (.79)

Bison 793a 87c 541b 4159a 2060c 1528 7 28 8

Bonilla 780a 93c 827ab 3680a 3259b 1728 6 23 8

Sunnyview 942a 322a 716b 4124a 4611a 2143 2 16 6

Champ 528a 152bc 827ab 3498a 5030a 2007 4 28 6

Rountree 788a 194b 690b 3419a 4296ab 1877 5 26 5

Pawnee 736a 235ab 1032ab 3640a 4964a 2121 3 30 2

Kaw 881a 297a 1305a 3481a 4968a 2186 1 22 1

12

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1990): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

Biomass was harvested 

at end of the growing season

Big bluestem was one of seven species 

evaluated in replicated plots
Results and Discussion

Biomass production at all six locations was heavily dependent on seasonal precipitation patterns. Seed origin 

was also critical in overall performance, especially plant phenology. Previous studies in the Northern Plains 

by the Bismarck PMC have generally shown that native warm-season grass species can be moved about 300 

miles north or 200 miles south of their original collection location. East and west movement is affected by 

moisture and elevation (USDA NRCS 2006a). Bison 

and/or Bonilla ranked towards the bottom, except at 

Upham, for five-year average biomass production. 

These were the northern-most varieties in the trial and 

originated from central North Dakota and east-central 

South Dakota, respectively. Varieties producing 

the most biomass at each site varied across the plot 

locations. Generally, the more southern origin varieties 

produced the most biomass. Sunnyview consistently 

produced high biomass yields. It was the top five-year 

biomass producer at Upham, Fergus Falls, and Lake 

Andes; and was second at Rochester and Fort Pierre.

Stand index densities were rated at all six sites. 

Generally, the more northern seed sources, Bison and 

Bonilla, had the greatest stand densities. The stand 

densities of the other varieties were inconsistent across 

the six sites. The effects of soil differences were not 

apparent.

Phenology was variable across sites with annual 

precipitation and temperatures affecting plant maturity. 

Varieties having the earliest and latest maturities were 

similar at all six sites. Bison had the earliest maturity 

and Bonilla had the next earliest seed maturity at all 

sites. Both varieties generally had mature seed in early 

September. The remaining varieties varied somewhat 

in seed maturity across sites except for Kaw, originating 

from east central Kansas, which had the latest maturity at all sites.

Variety Recommendations for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota

Variety Origin

Days to Ripe Seed 

after July 15 Where Adapted

Bison central North Dakota 60 ND, SD, MN

Bonilla east central South Dakota 80 ND, SD, MN

Sunnyview southeast South Dakota 90 ND, SD, MN

Champ Iowa, Nebraska 95 SD, southern MN

Rountree west central Iowa 100 SD, southern MN

Pawnee central Nebraska 105 SD, southern MN

Kaw east central Kansas 115 not recommended in ND, SD, MN

Days to ripe seed after July 15 

varied from approximately 

60 days (Bison) to 115 days (Kaw)

13
Key Establishment and Management Considerations

•	 Soils/Adaptation: Plant performance is best on moist, well drained, moderate to fine textured 

deep soils in areas of greater than 14 inches of average annual precipitation. Western and northern 

varieties are generally adapted to drier conditions. It is not very tolerant of heavy clays, extremely 

wet bottomlands, deep sands, high salinity, or high lime (USDA NRCS 2006b).

•	 Seeding: Big bluestem seed is relatively small, with approximately 176,000 seeds per pound. The 

seed has hairy appendages (awns). Using debearded (awns removed) seed greatly improves seed 

flow through a seed drill. The extent of debearding varies greatly among seed lots. If seed is not 

debearded, it should be planted through the chaffy seed box found on grass drills. The NRCS 

recommended drilled seeding rate for North Dakota is 7.5 pounds (approximately 30 seeds/sq ft) 

in the east and 6 pounds (approximately 25 seeds/sq ft) in the west (Sedivec et al 2001). Rates are 

calculated on Pure Live Seed (PLS). Broadcast seeding rate is higher than the recommended drill 

rates. Seeding rates vary across the United States, generally increasing from west to east. Spring 

seeding is recommended. A firm seedbed is essential for a shallow seeding depth (1⁄4 - 1⁄2 inch). 

Studies have shown an average germination of 61 percent when planted 1⁄2 inch deep and zero 

germination when planted 11⁄2 inches deep (USDA NRCS 2003).

•	 Weed Control: Abundant broadleaf weeds and annual grasses need to be controlled by mowing 

or herbicide application. Dense stands of foxtail (Setaria species) can be very competitive and 

significantly reduce stand establishment. Herbicides are generally more effective than mowing in 

controlling annual grasses.

•	 Fertilization: Biomass quality and yield, and seed production can be improved with nitrogen 

application. A soil test is recommended to achieve maximum productivity.

•	 Grazing/Haying/Mowing: Big bluestem is a high quality forage species for all classes of livestock. 

Big bluestem can withstand substantial grazing, but close grazing can decrease the stand. It is highly 

palatable to livestock in the spring and summer and becomes coarse and less palatable during the 

fall and winter. For high quality forage, start grazing at a height of 8-14 inches and graze to a 6-inch 

stubble height. Stocking density should be high enough to use most of the grass before the seed 

stalks develop. Rotational grazing is recommended to reduce trampling and enhance utilization. 

14

Big bluestem seed 

with awns

Big bluestem seed 

with awns removed (debearded)
Hay should be mowed in early to mid-summer to maintain high nutritional quality. Crude protein 

averaged 14 percent in late June in trials in southwestern North Dakota. Crude protein dropped to 10 

percent in mid-July, 8 percent in early August, and less than 6 percent in mid-September (Craig et al 

2001). For hay production, cut big bluestem at boot stage, leaving a 6-inch stubble. Forage yields 

may be greater when grazing or haying at heading, but forage quality will be lower.

•	 Burning: Big bluestem benefits from burning of plant residue prior to initiation of spring growth. 

Advantages include low impact residue removal, weed control, more uniform growth initiation 

and seed ripening, improved nutrient cycling, and more vigorous growth. Burning annually at the 

Bismarck PMC has increased long-term seed yields.

•	 Seed Harvest: Seed shattering can occur shortly after the first seed is ripe. Strong winds or 

pounding rains can quickly shatter ripe seed. Seed can be harvested using a conventional combine 

or a specialized seed stripper. Seed is subject to heating, so should be dry before storing in a bin or 

other containers.

A prescribed burn is an important management tool

15
References

Craig, D., K. Sedivec, D. Tober, I. Russell, and T. Faller. 2001. Nutrient Composition of Selected WarmSeason Grasses: Preliminary Report. In Western Dakota Sheepday, NDSU Report No. 42, Hettinger, ND.

Jacobson, E.T., D.A. Tober, R.J. Haas, and D.C. Darris. 1986. The performance of selected cultivars of 

warm-season grasses in the northern prairie and plains states. In G.K. Clambey and R.H. Pemble (ed.) 

Proc. North Am. Prairie Conf., 9th, 29 July-1 August 1984; Moorhead, MN. Tri-College Univ. Cent. for 

Environ. Studies, North Dakota State Univ., Fargo, ND. p. 215-221.

Sedivec, K., D. Tober, J. Berdahl. 2001. Grass varieties for North Dakota. NDSU Extension Service, 

Fargo, ND. 20p.

USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center. 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986/1987, 1988/1989, 1990/1991, 1992/1993. 

Technical Report, Part 1, Grasses, Forbs, and Legumes, Bismarck, ND.

USDA, NRCS. 2003. Five keys to successful grass seeding. Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, ND. 6p.

USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center. 2006a. Origins of native grass and forb release. Bismarck, ND. 

12p.

USDA, NRCS. 2006b. The PLANTS Database, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 

70874-4490. Available at: http://plants.usda.gov. Accessed 18 December 2006.

USDA, SCS. 1994. Grass varieties in the United States. Agric. Handbook No. 170. Washington, D.C. 

p. 194-199.

Fall color of big bluestem

16
Big bluestem in full flower (anthesis)
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June 2008