SEED PRODUCTION OF CRESTED WHEATGRASS AS INFLUENCED BY VARIOUS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Abstract

The effect of nitrogen, phosphate, and spacing of grass rows on seed yields of crested wheatgrass was determined during the period 1954 to 1962. Rates, time of application, and methods of applying fertilizer, and row spacing of grass were included in the study.Fall application of nitrogenous fertilizers produced greater responses than early spring application. Moisture conditions were a limiting factor in obtaining seed increases from the use of fertilizer. Responses were greater with adequate moisture. In dry years, the response was very poor and a significant residual effect was obtained from nitrogen after dry years. Drilling the fertilizer into the sod was slightly superior to broadcasting. Fertilizer applied to the grass rows only, or to the grass rows and cultivated space, produced similar results. Grass seeded in wide-spaced rows produced higher yields of seed than close drilling. Close-drilled rows of grass responded more to nitrogen than did wide-spaced rows. Grass seeded in 6-in. rows, and fertilized, produced less seed than wider-spaced rows with the same fertilizer treatment. With average moisture conditions, maximum yields of seed were obtained with about 150 lb/acre of ammonium nitrate. With better moisture conditions, seed yields increased as higher rates of fertilizer were used. Phosphate had no significant effect on seed yield.High seed yields of crested wheatgrass can be maintained by the use of wide-row spacing and nitrogenous fertilizers.