NMSU researchers study
kochia as forage option for rangeland
DATE: 03/18/2019
WRITER: Jane Moorman,
505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Donald Martinez, 505-685-4523, donmart@nmsu.edu
ABIQUIU – As weather patterns change causing drier conditions, rangelands
and pastures may be in need of revegetation. Meanwhile, livestock producers are
looking for ways to provide nutritional forage for their animals.
To meet both needs, New Mexico State University College of Agricultural,
Consumer and Environmental Sciences researchers are searching for forage plants
that will adapt to the changing weather patterns.
One plant showing promise for improving rangeland in other parts of the western
United States is forage kochia (Kochia prostrata). Forage kochia is a perennial
plant and is different from the annual kochia (Kochia scoparia) weed that is
prominent in the region.
“Range Changer is an independent seed dealer that has worked with Utah State
University to plant thousands of acres of forage kochia in similar elevations
and terrain as Northern New Mexico,” said Donald Martinez, NMSU Extension
agricultural agent in Rio Arriba County. “When I saw the success of this
forage, I thought this is something we need to introduce into New Mexico.”
Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, and Martinez are conducting
test plots of forage kochia on cooperators’ land in northern New Mexico.
“We are trying to find a forage that can adapt to our environment to improve
our grazing,” Martinez said. “We are looking for an alternative forage for our
livestock and wildlife.”
Last year the researchers selected six locations that have different soil types
and are at different elevations – between 5,000 and 9,000 feet – to see whether
forage kochia would grow.
“Unfortunately, last year was the driest on record,” Martinez said. “Only one
plot had moisture, so it was the only one that showed some growth.”
Before the researchers could evaluate the plants, a herd of elk devoured the
forage.
“So we know the high protein forage is palatable to wildlife,” Martinez said.
“We just hope the elk didn’t uproot all of the plants. We’ll have to see what
returns this spring.”
Shane Getz of Range Changer Seed has told Martinez that with moisture this
winter, the plant should grow in all six plots this year.
One positive aspect of this forage is little or no soil preparation is needed
before planting the seeds.
“What’s intriguing is that you don’t have to till the soil before planting,”
Martinez said. “You just broadcast the seed on top of the ground and it has a
high germination rate. This allows us to not disturb the natural grasses, which
will help prevent soil erosion by the wind.”
Martinez is hosting a free workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at
the Rio Arriba County rural event center on State Highway 554 in Abiquiu for
ranchers to learn more about forage kochia and other grasses for range and
irrigated lands.
A light lunch will be provided. Participants are asked to RSVP by calling
505-685-4523 or email
donmart@nmsu.edu
before March 30.
Getz and Keven Jensen, range specialist in Utah with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, will present information about the
forage, including the best time to plant and how to plant the seed.
Marsalis will make a presentation about irrigated pasture and hay management on
the small farms in northern New Mexico.
“This workshop will be good for those looking to improve their irrigated lands
as well,” Marsalis said. “We’ll touch on species selection, fertilization,
reseeding and general crop improvement.”
“It’s going to be good to hear from these guys who are actually out there working
to improve rangeland and also our irrigated forage systems as our climate is
changing,” Martinez said.
