Water Use, Adaptability, and Chemical Composition of Grasses Seeded at High Elevations

Abstract

Soil moisture depletion varied directly with extent of top and root growth of five grass species seeded on four areas between 6,500 and 8,500 ft in northern Utah. Smooth bromegrass and intermediate wheatgrass had greater root and top growth and used the most moisture at the lower elevation site where temperatures were highest, but timothy and orchardgrass grew best at higher elevations. Timothy contained low levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on all sites, whereas tall oatgrass and orchardgrass contained high levels.