Factors Influencing Halogeton Invasion of Crested Wheatgrass Range

Abstract

Halogeton first infested the Benmore Experimental Area on heavily grazed "slick spots," where soils contain more total soluble salts and greater amounts of exchangeable sodium than adjacent areas. Subsequently, halogeton profusely invaded units heavily grazed (80% utilization) in spring as well as other heavily grazed slick spots in lightly grazed (50%) and moderately grazed (65%) units. Heavy precipitation in the preceding July-September period and in May-June of the current year increases both abundance and vigor of halogeton. Occasional deferment from spring grazing or rest-rotation grazing is required to prevent invasion or to reduce abundance of halogeton, especially in slick-spot areas.