Utilizing Siberian Wheatgrass on Low Precipitation Rangelands in South Central Utah
Extension Education
Trent Wilde
Extension Associate Professor
Utah State University Extension
Junction
Abstract
Many of the low elevation rangelands of south central Utah receive low levels of annual precipitation. These conditions make rangeland seeding projects difficult to establish. Land managers have struggled to establish native grass varieties in these conditions. Although significant research has been done determining increased seedling establishment with siberian wheatgrass (Agropyron fragile), it has not been widely implemented. This has resulted in a significant amount of low elevation, low precipitation rangelands which are largely unproductive for livestock grazing. Although ideological priorities make it difficult to plant improved grass varieties like siberian wheatgrass on rangelands managed for public use, there are a significant amount of privately owned rangelands where livestock grazing is a priority. Although livestock grazing on these private lands is a priority for landowners, many landowners are unaware of the research establishing the significantly increased seedling establishment rates of siberian wheatgrass in rangeland seeding projects. Extension identified a need to disseminate the research identifying the vigorous establishment characteristics of siberian wheatgrass in very low precipitation rangeland environments. A local producer was identified who agreed to partner with Extension to develop a large demonstration plot on the producer's private rangeland. This demonstration plot has been used to educate local producers about the opportunity to utilize siberian wheatgrass to increase the productivity of otherwise unproductive low precipitation rangeland. As demands on public lands continue to increase, the opportunity to utilize previously unproductive private rangelands is extremely valuable to livestock producers.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Trent Wilde
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Wilde, T. Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84740