Response of Forage Species Seeded for Mule Deer in Western Juniper Types of South-central Oregon

Abstract

Mule deer and livestock forage supplies were increased by seeding 11 species of grasses, forbs, and shrubs within chained and nonchained western juniper thermal cover stands in south-central Oregon. Standard crested wheatgrass and Siberian wheatgrass were the only species that established in significant amounts. Wheatgrass densities were greater in chain-drill treatments than in drill-only treatments. Among all experimental units, differences in emergence and establishment (plants/m2) were greater than were differences in seeding rates (viable seeds/m2). Standard crested wheatgrass density exceeded that of Siberian wheatgrass over both treatments and six pretreatment vegetation subtypes. Emergence of seedlings and establishment of wheatgrass were all significantly related to subtype. The chain-drill treatment produced more spring forage than did the drill-only treatment. Neither treatment provided more winter forage.