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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #263723
Title: Increased carrying capacity with perennial forage kochia

Author
item GREENHALGH, LINDEN - Utah State University
item ZOBELL, DALE - Utah State University
item Waldron, Blair
item OLSON, KENNETH - South Dakota State University
item DAVENPORT, BURKE - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)

Submitted to: Journal of Extension
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2010
Publication Date: 12/16/2010
Citation: Greenhalgh, L.K., Zobell, D.R., Waldron, B.L., Olson, K.C., Davenport, B.W. 2010. Increased carrying capacity with perennial forage kochia. Journal of Extension. 48:6-6RlB7.

Interpretive Summary: More cattle can be grazed on fewer acres of grass-dominated rangeland pastures by including perennial forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) as one of the plant components. The objectives of the study reported here were to compare the differences of traditional winter pastures versus pastures with forage kochia. Forage quality, production, and availability data were collected from pastures in Tooele County, Utah. Forage quality, production, availability, and carrying capacity were greater in pastures with forage kochia. Livestock winter grazing in the Great Basin is challenging for many reasons. Extension's role in assisting others to find solutions is as pentinent today as it has ever been.

Technical Abstract: Carrying capacity can be increased on grass-dominated rangeland pastures by including perennial forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) as one of the plant components. The objectives of the study reported here were to compare the differences of traditional winter pastures versus pastures with forage kochia. Forage quality, production, and availability data were collected from pastures in Tooele County, Utah. Forage quality, production, availability, and carrying capacity were greater in pastures with forage kochia. Livestock winter grazing in the Great Basin is challenging for many reasons. Extension's role in assisting others to find solutions is as pertinent today as it has ever been.