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RANGE PROFESSION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DOWNLOADS
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IMPROVING RANGE FORAGE PRODUCTION
Main Points
Research has shown that nitrogen fertilization of annual rangelands may increase winter forage production and total forage production. Because most foothill rangelands are either phosphorus and/or sulfur deficient these nutrients should be applied with nitrogen. Increased costs have reduced the application of fertilizer to rangelands.
Seeding annual legumes, such as rose clover, subterranean clover and lana vetch, can improve annual rangeland productivity and quality. However, sulfur and/or phosphorus fertilization is required to maintain productivity and an adequate stand of these legumes.
Rose clover has successfully colonized large areas of California’s foothills. Its hard seed have been spread by livestock into many areas. Rose clover seed in one cow manure pat can produce rose clover plants for more than 20 years.
Introduced perennial grasses, including Harding grass and summer dormant orchard grasses, have been seeded into foothill rangelands in many areas in past decades. Establishment of these seedings was often difficult due to competition from annual grasses and forbs.
Management Publications
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