Forage Plantings on Six Arizona Pinyon-Juniper Subtypes

Abstract

Forty-four species and varieties of forage plants, including 3 shrubs, 6 forbs, and 35 grasses, were planted at each of six sites in four Arizona pinyon-juniper climatic subtypes. Represented were cold-moist and cold-dry climatic subtypes each on medium and fine-textured soils; a warm-moist climatic subtype on fine-textured soil; and a warm-dry climatic subtype on medium-textured soil. Sites are described and classified to help identify planting potential and facilitate wider application of results. Data are given on plant emergence, establishment, survival during 12 growing seasons, and forage production. Agropyron smithii Rydb., A. intermedium var. trichophorum (Link) Halac., and Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) J.G. Sm. successfully revegetated swelling clay soils. These three species, Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt., and Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud. were the most widely adapted species tested.