ARS | Publication request: A PLACE FOR FORAGE KOCHIA ON RANGELANDS

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 5, 2004
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) is a unique non-native perennial species that has the inherent potential to establish in the face of intense competition from species such as the exotic invasive weed cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Once established, forage kochia produces abundant seeds that can germinate and establish as to add more plants to the stand until cheatgrass is suppressed. This ability to suppress and reduce the cheatgrass density helps reduce the fuel load provided by the fine textured, early maturing fuel that cheatgrass provides fuels so many wildland fires. The ability for forage kochia to suppress other exotic weeds such as halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) has also been witnessed. Forage kochia is a highly significant forage resource in the Intermountain Area and has been attributed to the increase survival of many mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) herds.