Survival of Alfalfa in Five Semiarid Range Seedings

Abstract

Selected cultivars and strains of alfalfa were seeded at five locations in Northern Utah during 1953 and 1954. Average annual precipitation ranged from 20 to 36 cm. Observations and detailed plant counts showed a decline in alfalfa stand densities at four of the five sites. The reduction in plant density at two sites was attributed primarily to livestock grazing and to severe damage by rabbits. Moisture stress was an additional factor at two other sites. Plant density has remained high at the fifth location for 23 years.