Restore foraging quality on western Colorado rangeland
When Russian knapweed overruns a western Colorado rangeland, forage quality suffers.
Project Overview
Russian knapweed is an aggressive invasive species in western Colorado. Not to mention, it is toxic to horses and therefore unsuitable for rangeland. After many years of Russian knapweed spread across a western Colorado pasture, there was extremely poor forage quality.
How did NutraFix restore foraging quality?
The landowner chose to use regenerative cover cropping strategies. This included adding NutraFix to restore soil health. In addition, the goal was to return the pasture to productivity with emphasis on providing forage.
Firstly, the dense patches of Russian knapweed required burning. Because Russian knapweed is a deep-rooted perennial that spreads by aggressive, creeping, horizontal roots (rhizomes) and seeds, it is very difficult to manage. Even after mowing, the rhizomes remain and the plants regrow. That’s why the project began by burning the dense Russian knapweed patches.
Why was NurtaFix used to increase forage quality?
NutraFix micronutrient fertilizer was applied at a rate of 100 pounds per acre after controlled pasture burning. Then, following the NutraFix application, the pasture was irrigated and seeded. The NutraFix application was highly successful and promoted desirable seeded species with rapid growth and establishment. As a result, the healthy cover crop outcompeted the Russian knapweed.
- Granular fertilizer made from naturally occurring minerals
- Reestablishes high micronutrient fertility levels of later successional grasslands
- Improves the growth of desirable species that outcompete invasive species, such as cheatgrass
- Improves soil infiltration and structure
- Improves seed germination
- Long-lasting and straightforward application
Why Ferguson Waterworks?
Ferguson Waterworks maintains a diverse and deeply rooted inventory in order to support your geo and stormwater projects. With vast experience and a strategic nationwide network, we help clients reduce distribution times and maximize their budgets. Contact your local expert today or send us a message to learn more about our start-to-finish solutions.
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