High Plains Germplasm Sandberg Bluegrass Long Range Field Planting Plan

Plant Accession Data

• accession: 9078408
• common name: Sandberg bluegrass
• scientific name: Poa secunda J. Presl

Description

Sandberg bluegrass is a native, early maturing, cool-season, perennial bunchgrass. It can be found in small tufts of one or two culms or in large tussocks up to 30 centimeters across. The leaves are short (5 to 15 centimeters), basal, and usually tightly rolled or folded along the central axis. The flowering stalks (20 to 60 centimeters) are mostly naked except for two short leaves. The species is characterized by an acute or obtuse membranous ligule that is 3.5 to 4 millimeters long. The individual spikelets are 2- to 4-flowered and often purplish.

Origin

9078408 Sandberg bluegrass is a composite of three native collections: 9019193 (Natrona County Wyoming, elevation 1,585 meters, precipitation 260 millimeters), 9019198 (Uinta County Wyoming, elevation 1,890 meters, precipitation 200 millimeters), and 9026084 (Campbell County Wyoming, elevation 1,400 meters, precipitation 350 millimeters). These three accessions were the top performers of 24 accessions originating from arid sites throughout Montana and Wyoming, but primarily from the Red Desert and the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. The original field testing occurred on the Bridger Coal Mine near Rock Springs, Wyoming, Dresser Minerals bentonite mine near Greybull, Wyoming, and at the State Forest Tree Nursery in Missoula, Montana. The top six accessions from these field test sites were evaluated in a replicated study at the Bridger Plant Material Center (PMC). These three accessions were selected because of their superior emergence and survival at the mine sites, their seed production at the Bridger PMC, and their overall morphological and physiological uniformity.

Adaptation

Sandberg bluegrass will grow well on rich clay-loam soils, but it usually inhabits inferior shallow soil; often on dry, rocky or sandy sites. It is one of the most drought resistant grasses in the western desert and semidesert basins. Its drought resistance can be attributed to an extensive, deep, fibrous root system and its ability to make its growth, produce flowers, and mature early in the season under better moisture conditions. It is one of the first grasses to green up in the spring, at which time it is relished by livestock and wildlife, but later in the growing season its relative palatability is usually slightly less than many of its associated species, making it less susceptible to overgrazing. Sandberg bluegrass is often a naturally occurring pioneer species on disturbances and readily invades or increases on droughty sites that have received surface manipulation such as pitting and gouging.

Establishment

Seed should be planted into a firm, weed-free seedbed at a depth of one centimeter or less. In most situations Sandberg bluegrass will be included in a mixture with other grasses, forbs, and shrubs, requiring a rate of one kilogram per hectare of seed or less. Planting can be done either as a late fall (dormant) or early spring seeding. Early spring seeding is preferred; avoiding rot of the small seed and possible loss to erosion of the shallow planted seed.

Uses

Sandberg bluegrass is usually found as a minor component of native grass/shrub plant communities. The species is commonly included in seed mixtures for reclamation of drastically disturbed lands and for rangeland renovation. Although only a minor component in any mix, once established, its root system provides soil stability and its early spring growth provides early spring grazing. Its drought tolerance and hardiness allow it to be used successfully in some of the most arid regions of Montana and Wyoming. Sandberg bluegrass is listed as an increaser species in almost every range type in Montana and Wyoming (5 to 15 percent). It is commonly found in the following Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs): Northern Intermountain Desert Basin (32), Central Desertic Mountains, Basins, and Plateaus (34), Northern Rolling High Plains (58), Glaciated Plains (52 and 53), and Northern Rocky Mountain Foothills and Valleys (43, 44, and 46).

Seed Production

Seed of Sandberg bluegrass is relatively easy to produce. Under irrigated conditions (60 to 75 centimeter row spacing) or dryland conditions with at least 400 millimeters of annual precipitation (90 to 120 centimeter row spacing), this species produces upright easily harvested plants. Seed maturity is uniform enough to allow direct combining. The crop can also be swathed in the firm dough stage and harvested out of the cured windrows. Seed production at the Bridger Plant Materials Center (PMC) has yielded 275 kilograms per hectare (90 centimeter spacing and two supplemental irrigations). The average harvest date is June 26. Management for optimum production includes fall fertilization (80 kilograms per hectare Nitrogen, 40 kilograms per hectare Phosphorus), close cultivation, chemical control of broadleaf weeds (prior to heading of grass crop) and hand roughing.

Planting Information

Culture and Management ¹

In accordance with applicable practice standards and specifications as stated in Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide.

Field Planting Size

Minimum five (5) acres each, featured cultivar and standard of comparison entry.

Seeding Rate

Sandberg bluegrass has approximately 900,000 seeds per pound. One (1) pound pure live seed (PLS) per acre in native species mixtures is recommended. Adjust rate accordingly for specific mixture objectives.

Standard of Comparison

• 'Sherman" big bluegrass
• 'Canbar' Canby bluegrass
• 'Covar' sheep fescue

Evaluation

Herbaceous plant performance will be requested annually for the first five (5) years and the tenth (10th) year following establishment. Use standard evaluation forms.

¹ Seedbed preparation, planting methods, seed placement depth, weed control, and stand establishment management..

² Field office location managed by the respective Natural resource Team.

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007