Prairie Sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia): Water Infiltration and Use

Abstract

Prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia) near Sidney, Mont., grows on rangeland in colonies ranging from 1 to 8 m in diameter. There were small differences in soil texture between prairie sandreed colonies and surrounding vegetation. Increased plant growth and residue accounted for higher water infiltration rates within the prairie sandreed colonies than on surrounding vegetation. Prairie sandreed used slightly more water, but the water-use efficiency was nearly twice that of the surrounding vegetation.