A long-lived perennial grass that is adapted to semi-arid rangeland with 13” of precipitation or more
- Demonstrates salinity tolerance equal to tall wheatgrass, better than intermediate wheatgrass and exceeds NewHy RS Wheatgrass in performance.
- Drought tolerance similar to intermediate wheatgrass.
- Extensive root system allows it to be a useful tool for farmers and ranchers in dewatering saline seep discharge areas.
- Useful tool for farmers and ranchers in controlling problem weeds such as foxtail barley, on saline soils.
- Palatable and has a low growth point which allows for flexible grazing and hay management.
- Increases grazing tolerance and persistence on range sites and in pasture. If properly managed, it produces comparable quality yield of forage as brome and orchard grass in non-saline conditions.
Planting Management
- Prepare a firm seed bed and avoid areas with large surface concentrations of weed seed, especially foxtail barley. Best stands are obtained when seed is placed 1/2″ to 3/4″ deep. Deeper placement will lead to partial or complete stand failure. Be careful with seeding depth on sandy soils. Use seeders that leave shallow seed furrows and when no-tilling, remove as much residue as possible before planting.
- Spring seedings are preferred for best weed control, however dormant seedings can be done. When dormant seeding, plant late enough in the fall to ensure germination does not take place until spring. Mid-summer seedings on soils prone to crusting or with high sodium content should be avoided.
- The recommended seeding rate is 6 to 10 pounds per acre. Use a seeding rate that fits the annual precipitation, seeding method and nurse crop. To lessen wind and water erosion, 5 to 8 pounds of a cereal may be used. Seedlings are vigorous and establish quickly, even under adverse conditions.
- After the second or third leaf has emerged, broadleaf herbicides may be applied for weed control. Generally, the same herbicides recommended for wheat can be applied but always follow the label.
- Limited fertilizer is required during establishment. Starting the fall of the establishment year, apply 40-60 pounds of nitrogen per acre to encourage aggressive rhizome and tiller development. The rhizomes fill in the stand and the tillers are next season’s yield potential.
- Salt tolerant alfalfa varieties can be sown with Saltlander at the rate of 2-3 pounds per acre. The legume contributes nitrogen credits for the grass and to forage quality. However, the alfalfa will eventually be choked out.
Green Wheatgrass is a new forage species
AC Saltlander Green Wheatgrass is a long-lived, perennial, cool season grass developed specifically for semi-arid production areas. AC Saltlander was mass selected by breeders for overall salinity tolerance, winter hardiness, productivity on saline and nonsaline soils and a desirable plant form. The variety has better saline tolerance than intermediate and NewHy RS Wheatgrass and equal to tall wheatgrass. Drought tolerance is similar to intermediate wheatgrass.
AC Saltlander produces rhizomes which allow the stand to fill in as the less competitive forage species and weeds lose out. The variety can displace foxtail barley from the field or pasture. AC Saltlander produces aggressively spreading rhizomes allowing the stand to thicken and remain productive.
