Species for Seeding Arid Rangeland in Southern Idaho

Abstract

Ninety species were seeded in 2,450 range plots in 60 studies on depleted rangelands and on abandoned dry farmland in the sagebrush region in southern Idaho. Seedings range from 20 to 40 years old. Crested and fairway wheatgrasses were the most successful species on the drier sagebrush sites, and intermediate and pubescent wheatgrasses on the moister sites. Russian wildrye was good in southeastern Idaho, especially on saline lands. Western and Siberian wheatgrasses had some good stands but were not consistently successful. Good seedbed preparation and control of competing vegetation are necessary to get good stands of seeded species. Good seeded stands produced from 800 to 1,800 lb herbage per acre, as compared to 45 to 200 lb before seeding.