English

Abstract

The Stucky Ridge test plot is located approximately two miles northeast of Anaconda, Montana. Sparse vegetation includes quaking aspen, Wood's rose, currant species, rubber rabbitbrush, horsebrush, redtop and basin wildrye. In November 2002, 22 tons/acre lime kiln dust was disced to a 12‖ depth. Prior to spring seeding, 500 bulk-pounds of fertilizer were applied/incorporated to a 6‖ depth. Thirty-six grass, two subshrub accessions, and four seed mixtures were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block with four replications. Plots were drill-seeded in May 2003 at 50 Pure Live Seeds per linear row foot. Soil sampling for arsenic and heavy metals occurred after planting. A significant amount of new grass seedling emergence was detected during the June 2004 evaluation, particularly for Indian ricegrass, western wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and basin wildrye. Following the 2004, 2005, and 2006 evaluations for cover and vigor rating, each plot was sampled for biomass production. Tissue analyses indicated heavy metal concentrations were generally within limits for livestock and wildlife use. In single-species plots, ‗local source' plants exhibiting superior performance included Copperhead and 9081621 slender wheatgrass, Opportunity Nevada bluegrass, 9081968 western wheatgrass, 9081624 and Washoe Germplasm basin wildrye, 9081628 Indian ricegrass, 9081636 bluebunch wheatgrass and 9081635 Canbyi bluegrass. In 2003, Open Range Germplasm winterfat was the only broad-leaved entry demonstrating significant emergence. In 2007, the only broad-leaved plants surviving were Open Range winterfat and 9081632 silverleaf phacelia. Old Works fuzzytongue penstemon and silverleaf phacelia were only detected in alternating years. In the Seed Mixture Trials, the ‗Experimental' mixes containing native ‗local source' were far superior to the ‗Developed' mixes consisting of native ‗nonlocal source' (Upland Mix) and introduced cultivars (Waste Management Areas). However, it was estimated the majority of plants in the Experimental mixtures were Copperhead slender wheatgrass, the best overall performer on the test site.