Project Overview
Commodities
- Agronomic: general hay and forage crops, grass (misc. perennial), hay
- Animals: bovine, sheep
- Animal Products: dairy
Practices
- Animal Production: feed/forage, pasture renovation, range improvement
- Crop Production: no-till
- Production Systems: holistic management, integrated crop and livestock systems
Proposal abstract:
Monocultures of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) are a major component of grassland vegetation in many areas of the Northern Great Plains. Crested wheatgrass plays a critical role in livestock production within this region, particularly by providing early spring grazing. However, its competitiveness limits the presence of companion plant species, minimizing species diversity. Poor seasonal forage availability and a reduction in ecological goods and services results. Interseeding yellow-flowered alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. falcata), which is adapted to this semiarid region, into crested wheatgrass monocultures would improve the plant community while minimizing environmental risks, particularly erosion. Long-term benefits potentially include: increased forage production and quality, nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, and improved wildlife habitat. Successfully interseeding this alfalfa into grass-dominated stands is crucial to utilizing this forage for multiple benefits. Project outcomes are focused on increasing awareness and utilization of yellow-flowered alfalfa to improve ranch sustainability. This two-year study is currently evaluating alfalfa establishment based on three main factors: seeding date, sod suppression, and seeding rate. The project was implemented at four locations: Newcastle, WY, Fruitdale, SD, Buffalo, SD, and Hettinger, ND.
Project objectives from proposal:
The objective of this study is to determine interseeding techniques that will provide the highest probability of establishment success with the fewest resources (financial, time, and labor).