Abstract Northern bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ; bobwhite) populations have dramatically declined across their range. These declines are more pronounced in the southeastern United States, where large proportions of agricultural land have been converted to pasture dominated by tall fescue ( Lolium arundinaceum ), an exotic cool‐season grass (CSG) used for grazing and haying that is thought to negatively influence bobwhite survival rates. The use of native warm‐season grass (NWSG) pasture as a working‐lands conservation strategy may benefit bobwhite survival, but data are lacking to test this assertion. We conducted a study in southeastern Kentucky, USA, where grazed CSGs and hayed CSGs were adjacent to grazed NWSGs and burned ungrazed NWSGs. We tracked bobwhites from April 2019 to October 2022 and estimated their survival rates. Bobwhite survival in the breeding season was positively related to an increasing amount of grazed NWSGs (250‐m scale) but only when shrubs (250‐m scale) were highly interspersed. Similarly, survival in the non‐breeding season was positively related to an increasing amount of grazed NWSGs (250‐m scale) but only when shrub interspersion‐juxtaposition (home range scale) was moderate. Results of our study suggest that appropriately grazed NWSG may provide a model for a landsharing approach to bobwhite conservation, but that appropriately distributed shrub cover will be an essential element of this strategy.

Data are needed to identify optimum response to potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) amendment and associated mycorrhizal colonization for native warm-season grasses (NWSGs; big bluestem [BB; Andropogon gerardii Vitman] and switchgrass [SG; Panicum virgatum L.]). To evaluate these responses, experiments were conducted in Knoxville and Springfield, Tennessee, from 2013 to 2019. In twice-annual harvests, we assessed BB and SG dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDNs), P and K removed by grasses (removal), and soil test P and K in response to P (29 to 88 kg ha−1) and K (70 to 257 kg ha−1) elemental rates, and rates of root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in response to P. Amendments had no effect (p > 0.05) on DM yield, CP, or TDN for either species. Yield, CP, and TDN fluctuated among years (p < 0.001) for both species, but no consistent temporal trends were observed. Although removal exceeded inputs at the control (no input) for P and K, and at 70 kg K ha−1, there was not an associated reduction in soil test K and P values. Phosphorus rate affected (p = 0.02) total mycorrhizal colonization, with an average of 62% colonization across both species and 70% at the highest P rates. Given the lack of response for yield, CP, TDN, or associated soil nutrient test levels, NWSGs appear to offer a low-input option for forage production.

Widespread clear-cutting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and subsequent regrowth has resulted in homogenous, closed-canopy forest structure across much of eastern deciduous forests in temperate North America. Forest management prescriptions designed to diversify stand structure have been increasingly applied with the goal of improving breeding habitat for declining species that require heterogenous forest structure, including Cerulean Warblers ("ceruleans"; Setophaga cerulea). Although a few studies have documented positive short-term (1-4 years post-treatment) responses of ceruleans to forest management prescriptions in the Appalachian Mountains region, longer-term responses have yet to be assessed. In 2019-2020, we followed the same spot-mapping methods as used previously (2005-2006 pre-harvest and 2007-2010 post-harvest) and compared territory density with previous estimates at each of 4 treatment levels (reduced basal area and overstory canopy by 0-75 %) across four forest stands on study sites in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio (n = 12 stands total) that had exhibited short-term positive density responses. Ceruleans did not exhibit consistently positive longer-term responses compared with pre-treatment densities when all stands were analyzed together. Compared with pretreatment surveys, after 13-14 years post-harvest we documented density decreases of 1.0-3.1 territories per 10 ha at 5/9 stands, and positive responses of 1.8-2.2 territories per 10 ha at 3/9 treated stands. Over this period, midstory cover changed significantly (increased) during the 10 years since these stands were last surveyed. Thus, sustaining the short-term (1-4 year) positive response of cerulean warbler territory density to timber harvest may require periodic follow-up treatments that reduce the development of a dense midstory; we recommend that this hypothesis, along with the methods to achieve these conditions, should be tested.

Reduced floral resources and habitat fragmentation have led to pollinator decline. Increased diversity of native plants in pastures could support cattle and pollinators. However, the relationship between grazing and plant diversity needs to be investigated. We explored how grazing rest periods impacted persistence and forage characteristics of Andropogon gerardii (BB)/Sorghastrum nutans (IG; BBIG) and Panicum virgatum (SG) pastures interseeded with forbs and grazed over five years. ANOVA analysis was conducted using R with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Forb species exhibited different establishment and flowering characteristics. Coreopsis tinctoria, Rudbeckia hirta (BESU), and Coreopsis lanceolata (LCOR) established early, while Helianthus maximiliani, Heliopsis helianthoides (OSUN), and Echinacea purpurea (PURC) established the second season. Rudbeckia hirta, LCOR, OSUN, and PURC flowered most frequently, and the grazing regimen did not influence the flowering frequency of any species. Desmodium tortuosum (TTFL) was one of the most selected by cattle. Total forage mass declined in 2022, but forb mass interacted with treatment and year where mass declined each year but varied among treatments annually. Based on persistence and forage characteristics, BESU, LCOR, OSUN, PURC, and TTFL could successfully provide forage in native pastures under a variety of grazing regimens.

Insect pollinators are in population decline due to environmental and chemical stressors. Including native forbs in pastures could benefit grazers and pollinators; however, their forage and flowering characteristics are not fully documented. The objectives of our research were to evaluate 12 native forbs for persistence, forage mass, nutrient composition, and flowering patterns under repeated defoliation. Twelve species were planted in a small-plot experiment in 2018. Response variables were measured from 2020 to 2022. Annual (partridge pea, PPEA, Chamaecrista fasciculata) and biennial (black-eyed Susan, BESU, Rudbeckia hirta) species established high (p < 0.05) plant populations during the first season; however, the PPEA declined (p < 0.05) in forage mass during 2021. Tall species (Maximilian sunflower, MSUN, Helianthus maximiliani; cup plant, CUPP, Silphium perfoliatum) increased in forage mass, produced high-quality forage, and flowered during early fall. Lanceleaf coreopsis (LCOR, Coreopsis lanceolata) produced consistent (p > 0.05) forage mass and flowered in spring. The purple coneflower (PURC, Echinacea purpurea), Illinois bundleflower (ILBF, Desmanthus illinoensis), and oxeye sunflower (OSUN, Helopsis helianthoides) produced high-quality, consistent (p > 0.05) forage mass and flowered mid-season. Interseeding the BESU, ILBF, PPEA, LCOR, PURC, OSUN, and MSUN or CUPP would produce high-quality forage and floral resources throughout summer.

Incorporating native forbs within native warm-season grass (NWSG) pastures has the potential to benefit cattle, pollinators, and wildlife beyond that of NWSG monocultures. However, when grazing NWSG pastures, rotational stocking is recommended as opposed to continuous stocking. Therefore, to evaluate whether within-season rest is needed for native pasture sustainability, two NWSG grazing experiments were conducted near Greeneville, TN, 2017-2020, to assess the persistence of native forbs when an 11-species native forb blend was interseeded into established switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.) and big bluestem/indiangrass (BBIG; Andropogon gerardii Vitman and Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash) pastures. Each experiment was a completely randomized design with four replicates of each within-season rest grazing treatment (no rest, early rest, middle rest, late rest, and no graze). Within-season rest was not influential for NWSG tiller density or total forb plant density thus indicating persistence of forbs may not require rotational stocking. Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.) did not establish while Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacMill. ex B.L. Rob. & Fernald) was only observed flowering once despite having the greatest seeding rate among forbs. Based on establishment and flowering of the 11 species in the current mixture, interseeding a 6-species polyculture of black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.), dixie ticktrefoil (Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC.), eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata L.), Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani Schrad.), and oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet) could allow for plant biodiversity while offering floral resources for pollinators during the NWSG grazing season.

The identification of appropriate nitrogen (N) rates for native warm-season grasses (NWSG) is needed to inform forage management in the southeastern United States. Experiments were conducted in Knoxville and Springfield, TN, from 2015 to 2019, to evaluate dry matter (DM) yield, forage nutritive value (FNV), the influence of temperature and precipitation on yield, and partial factor productivity (PFP) responses. Three NWSG species (big bluestem [BB; Andropogon gerardii Vitman], switchgrass [SG; Panicum virgatum L.], and eastern gamagrass [EG; Tripsacum dactyloides L.]) were grown at each location and harvested twice annually. Five N rates in the form of urea were applied annually in split applications. The yields for all species responded positively to nitrogen (p < 0.001) and the time of harvest (p < 0.001) at both sites, except for BB yield at Springfield; no consistent N effects were observed over years. Nitrogen affected the FNV (p < 0.001) of all species, increasing CP by three to five percentage points (p < 0.001). Yields across all species and locations responded positively to precipitation (p < 0.001) and temperature (p < 0.001). A moderate N amendment (<135 kg N ha−1 yr−1, based on PFP) can enhance the productivity of NWSG, but responses were site-dependent and influenced by temperature and precipitation.

Pollinator declines and expectations for more sustainable agriculture, including pasture-based enterprises, bring attention to strategies to enhance the habitat value of grazing lands. We evaluated native warm-season grass (NWSG) pastures with (FORB) and without (CONT) interseeded native forbs in 2021–2023. An analysis was conducted using R with the significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The grass appeared to be weakened predominantly by grazing management practices. Forb density and mass had an inverse relationship in seasons two and three. Total forage mass declined in response to increased grazing days and weakened stands. The forage nutritive compositions differed, with more stable, season-long crude protein and lower fiber concentrations in late-season FORB, which supported higher bodyweight gains and season-long average daily gain. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta; BESU), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata; LCOR), and showy ticktrefoil (Desmodium canadensis; STTF) were the most abundant forbs, and BESU, LCOR, and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea; PURC) produced long flowering windows. Cattle grazed STTF, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum; CUPP), and oxeye sunflower (Helopsis helianthoides) the most. Under continuous stocking, a blend of BESU, LCOR, PURC, STTF, and CUPP produced acceptable cattle gains and provided pollinator resources, suggesting that this model may be a viable means to enhance the sustainability of pastures.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and other perennial native warm-season grasses (NWSG), such as big bluestem (BB) (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and eastern gamagrass (FG)[Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] are excellent biofeedstocks, forages, and dual-purpose biomass-forage crop candidates. However, reliable establishment is a challenge. Therefore, we conducted an experiment at two locations in Tennessee, repeated over 2 yr (2012 and 2013) to evaluate establishment strategies for BB, EG, and switchgrass. Treatments included a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop with and without inorganic nitrogen (60 and 0 lb acre(-1)) and an insecticide-fungicide seed treatment (Gaucho XT and an untreated control). Although establishment success varied by site and year, switchgrass generally produced stands with greater seedling densities than BB, with EG producing the weakest stands. The N treatment did not affect NWSG seedling density or yields in subsequent years at either location for either planting year. Seed treatment improved seedling density in 2013 at one location for switchgrass but not the other species (P = .029). At the second location, seed treatment improved seedling density (0.43 vs. 0.29 seedlings ft(-2)) across all species (P = .006), apparently driven by the response of BB (0.69 vs. 0.44 seedlings ft(-2); P = .094). Neither treatment influenced yield, which increased (P < .001) each year (1.91, 2.69, and 3.60 ton acre(-1)) across all species. According to these results, dormant-season NWSG planting in wheat appears to be equally successful regardless of N fertilization. Seed treatments offer some potential for improved establishment success.

Understanding how livestock grazing strategies of native warm season grasses (NWSG) can impact facultative grassland bird nesting can provide insight for conservation efforts. We compared pre and post treatment effects of rotational grazing (ROT) and patch-burn grazing (PBG) for facultative grassland bird species nest success and nest-site selection on NWSG pastures at three Mid-South research sites. We established 14, 9.7 ha NWSG pastures and randomly assigned each to either ROT or PBG and monitored avian nest-site selection and nest success, 2014–2016. We collected nesting and vegetation data in 2014, before treatment implementation, as an experimental pre-treatment. We implemented treatments across all research sites in spring 2015. We used a step-wise model selection framework to estimate treatment effect for ROT or PBG on avian nest daily survival rate (DSR) and resource selection function (RSF) at the temporal scale and within-field variables. Daily survival rates were 0.93% (SE = 0.006) for field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), 0.96% (SE = 0.008) for red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and 0.92% (SE = 0.01) for indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea). Model support for PBG treatment and vegetation height were indicated as negative and positive influences for field sparrow DSR, respectively. Red-winged blackbirds’ DSR were negatively influenced by ROT while vegetation height positively affected DSR, and DSR for indigo bunting did not differ among treatments. Combined RSF models indicated nest-site selection for all species was positively related to vegetation height and only weakly associated with other within-field variables. We provide evidence that ROT and/or PBG effects vary by species for DSR for these three facultative grassland birds, and vegetation characteristics affected their nest-site selection in the Mid-South USA. A lack of disturbance in Mid-South grasslands can lead to higher successional stages (i.e., mix shrub-grassland), but some combination of ROT, PBG, and unburned/ungrazed areas can provide adequate nesting habitat on small pasture lands (∼1.8 –7.8 ha) for various facultative grassland birds and potentially offer the opportunity to simultaneously maintain livestock production and grassland bird nesting habitat.

Declines in native warm season grasslands have been linked to grassland bird population decline due to habitat loss including conversion to non-native grasses. Rotational grazing (ROT) and patch-burn grazing (PBG) are two possible tools to restore native warm-season grasses (NWSG) on working-lands in the Mid-South USA and thus aid in the recovery of grassland bird populations. This project compares ROT, PBG, and before treatment implementation to assess their effects on grassland-associated bird species. At three research sites between KY and TN, 14-10 ha NWSG pastures were established and randomly assigned 7 pastures each to ROT and PBG treatment and monitored avian relative abundance during the breeding season from 2014 to 2017. Avian call count data and vegetation characteristics were collected in 2014 and treated as a before treatment year. Following 2014, ROT and PBG treatments were implemented across each respective research site. We used the open N-mixture model framework to estimate avian relative abundance related to year, treatments, research site, and landscape and within-field variables. Avian species richness and diversity were calculated for each treatment, research site, and year. Landscape variables, within-field variables, and research sites exerted more influence on relative abundance than ROT or PBG. Grassland-associated bird species relative abundance and species richness/diversity were affected by habitat disturbances (both ROT and PBG) but varied by species and site. Field sparrows [Spizella pusina] had the highest increase in relative abundance (9.68 +/- 1.24 birds/point count location or 1.77 ha) while northern cardinals [Cardinalis cardinalis] exhibited a significant decrease in relative abundance (3.44 +/- 1.54 birds/point count location) following treatment implementation on specific research sites. Species diversity and richness did not differ between ROT and PBG treatments. However, a site and year difference were observed for both estimates. Using ROT and/or PBG to create habitat disturbances can alter within-field variables (i.e., vegetation height) which, taken into context with landscape variables, could impact grassland bird populations and diversity depending on grassland bird species habitat requirements. Our research provided the baseline information for ROT and PBG impacts on grassland birds in the east/southeastern USA. However, we believe future research should focus on breeding and annual fecundity to better understand how populations will change over time and how working lands conservation might aid this conservation effort without a reduction in livestock productivity.

Soil microbial transformation of nitrogen (N) in nutrient-limited native C 4 grasslands can be affected by N fertilization rate and C 4 grass species. Here, we report in situ dynamics of the population size (gene copy abundances) and activity (transcript copy abundances) of five functional genes involved in soil N cycling ( nifH , bacterial amoA , nirK , nirS , and nosZ ) in a field experiment with two C 4 grass species (switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) and big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii )) under three N fertilization rates (0, 67, and 202 kg N ha −1 ). Diazotroph ( nifH ) abundance and activity were not affected by N fertilization rate nor grass species. However, moderate and high N fertilization promoted population size and activity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB, quantified via amoA genes and transcripts) and nitrification potential. Moderate N fertilization increased abundances of nitrite-reducing bacterial genes ( nirK and nirS ) under switchgrass but decreased these genes under big bluestem. The activity of nitrous oxide reducing bacteria ( nosZ transcripts) was also promoted by moderate N fertilization. In general, high N fertilization had a negative effect on N-cycling populations compared to moderate N addition. Compared to big bluestem, the soils planted with switchgrass had a greater population size of AOB and nitrite reducers. The significant interaction effects of sampling season, grass species, and N fertilization rate on N-cycling microbial community at genetic-level rather than transcriptional-level suggested the activity of N-cycling microbial communities may be driven by more complex environmental factors in native C 4 grass systems, such as climatic and edaphic factors.

Incorporating a perennial warm- season grass (WSG) into tall fescue (Lolium arundina-ceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.) forage systems in the fescue belt can help avoid the effects of fescue toxicosis on beef cattle (Bos taurus) reproduction and animal performance and provide forage during summer when fescue production is low. However, little information is available on the economics of incorporating WSG into fescue-based forage systems. We developed a simulation model to compare profitability of three forage systems—100% tall fescue, 70% tall fescue/30% bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), and 70% tall fescue/ 30% switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)—while also comparing spring- and fall-calving sea-sons on model beef cattle cow-calf operations in the fescue belt. Incorporating switch-grass increased profitability of tall fescue forage systems in both spring- and fall- calving herds, while adding bermudagrass increased profitability in spring-calving herds but not fall-calving herds. Spring-calving herds benefited the most from incorporating WSG, with profitability increases of $877 and $372 per hectare for switchgrass and bermudagrass, respectively, over the 100% tall fescue system. The order of profitability of forage systems did not change with randomly simulated decreases in rainfall and associated increased hay- feeding days, but with annual rainfall >88% of the long- term average, fall- calving 100% tall fescue was more profitable than fall- calving 70% tall fescue/30% bermuda grass. Of the scenarios modeled, the results of the simulation suggest that a profit-maximizing producer would utilize a 70% tall fescue/30% switchgrass forage system.

Globally, grasslands have been heavily degraded, more so than any other biome. Grasslands of the eastern U.S. are no exception to this trend and, consequently, native biota associated with the region's >20 million ha of agricultural grasslands are under considerable stress. For example, grassland associated breeding bird populations have declined precipitously in recent decades as have numerous species of pollinators. Although there is increasing awareness of the role grasslands can play in global carbon cycles and in providing high quality dietary proteins needed by an increasing global population, there is a lack of awareness of the alarming trends in the sustainability of the native biota of these ecosystems. Here, we present the status of this conservation challenge and offer prospective solutions through a working lands conservation approach. Such a strategy entails maintaining appropriate disturbances (i.e., grazing, fire, and their combination), improved grazing management, an increased reliance on native grasses and forbs, and improved plant diversity within pastures. Furthermore, we note some examples of opportunities to achieve these goals, offer suggestions for agricultural and conservation policy, and provide a framework for evaluating tradeoffs that are inevitably required when pursuing a multi-purpose grassland management framework.

Native C4 grasses have become the preferred species for native perennial pastures and bioenergy production due to their high productivity under low soil nitrogen (N) status. One reason for their low N requirement is that C4 grasses may benefit from soil diazotrophs and promote biological N fixation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of N fertilization rates (0, 67, and 202 kg N ha-1) and grass species (switchgrass [Panicum virgatum] and big bluestem [Andropogon gerardii]) on the abundance, activity, diversity, and community composition of soil diazotrophs over three agricultural seasons (grass green-up, initial harvest, and second harvest) in a field experiment in East Tennessee, United States. Nitrogen fertilization rate had a stronger influence on diazotroph population size and activity (determined by nifH gene and transcript abundances) and community composition (determined by nifH gene amplicon sequencing) than agricultural season or grass species. Excessive fertilization (202 kg N ha-1) resulted in fewer nifH transcripts compared to moderate fertilization (67 kg N ha-1) and decreased both richness and evenness of diazotrophic community, reflecting an inhibitory effect of high N application rates on soil diazotrophic community. Overall, cluster I and cluster III diazotrophs were dominant in this native C4 grass system. Diazotroph population size and activity were directly related to soil water content (SWC) based on structural equation modeling. Soil pH, SWC, and C and N availability were related to the variability of diazotrophic community composition. Our results revealed relationships between soil diazotrophic community and associated soil properties, adding to our understanding of the response of soil diazotrophs to N fertilization and grass species in native C4 grass systems.

The lack of forage production during the seedling year is a barrier to wide-scale adoption of native warm-season grasses (NWSG). To address this, two NWSG establishment experiments were conducted in Knoxville, TN, 2016-2018, to determine the efficacy of big bluestem (BB; Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.) establishment with browntop millet [BTM; Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen] as a companion crop. Each experiment was a randomized complete block arranged as a 2 x 3 factorial. Two defoliation strategies [(1) harvests based on BTM maturity (boot to heading stage) for hay (HAY) or (2) clipping to control BTM competition by maintaining >50% sunlight reaching BB and SG seedlings (CLIP)] were coupled with three BTM seeding rates [0 (control), 11.2 (half-recommended rate), and 22.4 (full-recommended rate) kg pure live seed (PLS) ha(-1)]. Only BTM seeding rate affected BB and SG plant density at dormancy. In all cases, the control had greater BB and SG plant density than the full-recommended rate, indicating that BTM impeded BB and SG establishment. All BTM seeding rates resulted in acceptable stands (>= 5.4 plants m(-2)) of BB (both years) and SG (2017 only). Only the control allowed for acceptable stands of SG in 2016 (8.5 plants m(-2)). Managing BTM for HAY produced a mean cumulative dry matter (DM) yield of 3.15 and 2.68 Mg ha(-1) in 2016 and 2017, respectively. These findings show that BTM can be a companion crop that helps offset production losses during BB and SG establishment.

Background Fertilizer addition can contribute to nitrogen (N) losses from soil by affecting microbial populations responsible for nitrification. However, the effects of N fertilization on ammonia oxidizing bacteria under C 4 perennial grasses in nutrient-poor grasslands are not well studied. Methods In this study, a field experiment was used to assess the effects of N fertilization rate (0, 67, and 202 kg N ha −1 ) and grass species (switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) and big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii )) on ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) communities in C 4 grassland soils using quantitative PCR, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and high-throughput amplicon sequencing of amoA genes. Results Nitrosospira were dominant AOB in the C 4 grassland soil throughout the growing season. N fertilization rate had a stronger influence on AOB community composition than C 4 grass species. Elevated N fertilizer application increased the abundance, activity, and alpha-diversity of AOB communities as well as nitrification potential, nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emission and soil acidity. The abundance and species richness of AOB were higher under switchgrass compared to big bluestem. Soil pH, nitrate, nitrification potential, and N 2 O emission were significantly related to the variability in AOB community structures ( p < 0.05).

Continuous, season-long (May-August) grazing is the most commonly used grazing strategy among tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] belt beef (Bos taurus) producers. However, little information is available regarding the feasibility of managing native warm-season grass (NWSG) pastures in this region with continuous, season-long grazing. We compared stand sustainability, beef cattle performance, and pasture production between continuous (CONT), season-long grazing and heavy-early (HEAVY), a modified continuous grazing strategy, on mixed-NWSG pastures. Heavy-early was designed to match the growth curve of NWSG, with an initial stocking target of 1.25 times the CONT density until 25 June, at which time stocking was reduced to 0.75 times the CONT density. Pastures were mixed big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash], and little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.)]. The plant population (plants m(-2)) was similar between treatments, but years differed (P < .001), with a 35% reduction from 2017, the third and final year of grazing, to 2018. Despite the decline in plant density, overall tiller density (tillers m(-2)) increased 14%, indicating that the grazing strategies were likely sustainable. The grazing strategies had similar (P > .05) average daily gain (ADG; kg d(-1)), animal-days ha(-1), and total gain (kg ha(-1)). Weaned steer ADG was 0.98 kg d(-1) for CONT and 0.89 kg d(-1) for HEAVY. Total gain was 379 kg ha(-1) for CONT and 334 kg ha(-1) for HEAVY. Continuous grazing appears to be an appropriate strategy for managing NWSG pastures in the Fescue Belt.