The potential of legume-shrub mixtures for optimum forage production in southwestern Saskatchewan: A greenhouse study

Abstract

Grazing in fall and early winter decreases the cost of beef production in southwestern Saskatchewan. This grazing system can be improved by utilizing legume and native shrub species, which exhibit high nutritive value in the fall. To realize the system's full potential, a better understanding of optimum mixtures of legumes and shrubs is required. A greenhouse study was conducted to optimize mixtures of legumes and shrubs for economical pasture production. The first goal was to obtain better understanding of synergy from mixtures of legumes and native shrubs. The second goal was to estimate the changes in soil quality caused by growing legumes and shrubs in monocultures or mixtures. Legume species studied were: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (Alf), purple prairie clover [Petalostemon purpureum (Vert.) Rydb] (Pr Cl) and American vetch (Vicia americana Muhl.) (Vetch); shrubs were: winterfat [Krascheninnikovia lanata (Pursh) Guldenstaedt] (Wf) and Gardner's saltbush [Atriplex gardneri (Moq.) D. Dietr.] (Sb). Treatments consisted of five monocultures, six mixtures and a control. Data on plant biomass, forage quality and soil quality parameters indicate that legume and shrub mixtures of Alf + Wf and/or Alf + Sb can potentially provide diversified forage sources, extended grazing periods and higher or similar yields with enhanced or similar forage quality than when grown separately.