Atriplex species as irrigated forage crops

Abstract

Field trials were conducted in the San Joaquin Valley, California, to evaluate accessions of Atriplex during the establishment year for overall plant performance as a forage crop when irrigated with saline drainage water. Productivity, forage quality and agronomic characteristics of both native and exotic species were promising. Of the exotic perennial species tested, total clipping harvest yields and overall nutritive values were highest for Atriplex barclayana (Benth.) Dietr. Productivity and nutritive value of harvested annual and short-lived perennial plants were comparable to clippings of the long-lived perennial plants. If the perennial species are used as a multi-clipped forage crop, irrigation and harvest management practices to provide optimum yields and quality forage would need to be developed. Average levels of ash, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, lignin and selenium of harvested clippings were 297, 166, 240, 423, 92 g kg −1 and 1 mg kg −1, respectively. Among the tested accessions, lignin levels were more variable than the other nutritive components.