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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Burns, Oregon » Range and Meadow Forage Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #289175
Title: Revegetating medusahead-invaded sagebrush rangelands in the intermountain west

Author
item Davies, Kirk
item JOHNSON, DUSTIN - Oregon State University

Submitted to: United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/2013
Publication Date: 11/26/2013
Citation: Davies, K.W., Johnson, D.D. 2013. Revegetating medusahead-invaded sagebrush rangelands in the intermountain west [fact sheet]. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. p.1-3.

Interpretive Summary: Revegetation of medusahead-invaded rangeland is needed to increase forage production, decrease the risk of wildfires, and improve wildlife habitat. Successful revegetation starts with effective control of medusahead. Prescribed burning followed by a fall application of a pre-emergent herbicide has been repeatedly demonstartated to effectively control medusahead. Desired vegetation should be seeded one year after pre-emergent herbicide application to reduce non-target herbicide damage. Introduced perennial bunchgrasses have been the most successful plant functional group at establishing after medusahead control and preventing re-invasion by medusahead. Post-seeding management should include spot-spraying medusahead patches in the revegetation project and short-term rest from grazing to allow seeded vegetation to establish.

Technical Abstract: Revegetation of medusahead-invaded rangeland is needed to increase forage production, decrease the risk of wildfires, and improve wildlife habitat. Successful revegetation starts with effective control of medusahead. Prescribed burning followed by a fall application of a pre-emergent herbicide has been repeatedly demonstartated to effectively control medusahead. Desired vegetation should be seeded one year after pre-emergent herbicide application to reduce non-target herbicide damage. Introduced perennial bunchgrasses have been the most successful plant functional group at establishing after medusahead control and preventing re-invasion by medusahead. Post-seeding management should include spot-spraying medusahead patches in the revegetation project and short-term rest from grazing to allow seeded vegetation to establish.