DROUGHT SURVIVAL OF SELECTED FORAGE GRASSES COMMONLY SEEDED IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

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Abstract
Prolonged drought between 1979 and 1981 killed or severely reduced stands of a number of grass species presumably adapted and frequently recommended for seeding rangelands in the Northern Great Plains. The drought damage took place on recently planted as well as established 2 years or older seedings. Cultivars of the intermediate-pubescent wheatgrass complex were killed or most severely damaged. Damage was also severe on seeded stands of the native green needlegrass, western and thickspike wheatgrasses and big bluegrass. Crested wheatgrass was only moderately drought tolerant, but two cultivars of Russian wild ryegrass established well even with adverse moisture conditions in the seeding year. Altai wild ryegrass seedlings established well but did not survive the drought. An established stand of Vinall Russian wild ryegrass increased in basal area and produced leaf growth and seedstalks during the most severe drought periods. These periodic droughts are sporadic in occurrence but need to be considered in reference to species recommendations for range seedings in the Northern Great Plains.

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