Origin and Common Names
Bothriochloa alta, also known as the Alkali or Saltgrass, is a perennial grass that grows in arid and semiarid regions across North America. Its range extends from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including west Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The plant thrives in salty soils and is often found in areas near salt lakes, playas, and saline seeps.
Uses
Bothriochloa alta has several uses, ranging from forage and erosion control to ornamental landscaping. The plant is highly valued as a forage source for livestock, especially in dry and saline regions where other grasses struggle to grow. The grass has a high salt tolerance and can store excess salts in its leaves, making it a preferred choice for animal feed. The Saltgrass is also used to prevent soil erosion on slopes and steep embankments, as its extensive root system can hold soil in place and stabilize the land.
Moreover, Bothriochloa alta is often grown as an ornamental plant in xeriscapes and desert landscapes, as its unique appearance adds visual interest and diversity to a garden. The plant's long, narrow blue-green leaves form dense clumps, which can reach up to three feet in height. The leaves turn a rich golden yellow in the fall, creating a striking contrast against the arid landscape.
General Appearance
Bothriochloa alta is a warm-season grass that grows from a fibrous root system. The plant produces erect stems that can reach up to four feet in height. The stems are topped with seed heads that resemble feathery plumes and can range from red-brown to gold in color. The grass's leaves are long, narrow, and slightly rolled, with a bluish-green hue that gives the plant a silvery sheen. The leaves are typically around eight inches long and two to four millimeters wide and are tapered to a sharp point. The Saltgrass blooms from June to September and can grow in dense stands, creating a backdrop for the landscapes it inhabits.
Light Requirements
The Bothriochloa alta thrives best in full sun. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow properly. Insufficient light may lead to stunted growth and a decrease in the plant's overall health.
Temperature Requirements
The Bothriochloa alta is a warm-season grass that requires temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C) for optimal growth. It does not tolerate freezing temperatures or frost, and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to dieback.
Soil Requirements
The Bothriochloa alta prefers well-drained soils with good aeration. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. The optimal soil pH range for the growth of this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5.
It grows well on soils that are moderately fertile. Adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for the proper growth and development of the plant. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity.
Cultivation of Bothriochloa alta (A.S. Hitchc.) Henr.
Bothriochloa alta is a warm-season, perennial grass that thrives in areas with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. It is adaptable to several soil types and can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils. For successful cultivation, it is essential to select a site with full sunlight exposure and well-draining soils.
Bothriochloa alta can be propagated through either seed or vegetative means. For the seed option, it is advisable to plant the seeds in the early spring when the temperatures are warm enough to assist in quick germination. Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by tilling and incorporating organic matter. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 inch and keep the soil moist until the seedlings begin to show.
If one decides to propagate vegetatively, the ideal time to do so is at the beginning of the growing season. Divide established plants into smaller clumps and plant them about three feet apart from each other. Water the plants immediately after planting and provide them with regular watering sessions throughout their growth cycle.
Watering Needs for Bothriochloa alta (A.S. Hitchc.) Henr.
Bothriochloa alta requires moderate watering during its growing season. It is best to water the plants deeply, rather than frequently, to establish a deeper root system. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type and the weather patterns in the area. During periods of drought, it is advisable to supplement rainfall with manual watering sessions.
The watering sessions should be adjusted depending on the growth stage of the plant. When the plant is young, it requires more frequent watering to establish a strong root system. As the plant matures, the watering sessions can be less frequent, but they should still be deep to encourage deep rooting.
Fertilization of Bothriochloa alta (A.S. Hitchc.) Henr.
During the growing season, it is advisable to apply fertilizer to the Bothriochloa alta to maintain optimum growth. Before applying any fertilizer, it is essential to have a soil analysis done to determine the nutrient content and pH of the soil.
Based on the soil analysis results, apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer at a rate of 2-3 pounds per 1000 square feet of the planting area. Split the application into two sessions, with the first one at the beginning of the growing season and the second one at the onset of the flowering stage.
Pruning of Bothriochloa alta (A.S. Hitchc.) Henr.
Maintaining a regular pruning schedule for Bothriochloa alta is critical to maintain an attractive appearance and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. The best time to prune the plant is at the end of the growing season. Use a sharp tool to remove the dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves.
When pruning, maintain the natural shape of the plant, and avoid cutting too close to the crown. For large plantings, it is advisable to use mowing equipment to cut down the plant to about three inches above the ground.
Propagation of Bothriochloa alta
Bothriochloa alta can be propagated through several methods including seed sowing, vegetative propagation, and tiller division.
Seed Sowing
Seeds of Bothriochloa alta can be sown in seed trays or directly in the field. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up. Pre-soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours can improve germination rates. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 cm and spaced about 5 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Bothriochloa alta can be propagated through vegetative propagation by taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant. The stem cuttings should be about 10 cm in length and should be taken during the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite and placed in a warm, bright location. They should be kept moist and after a few weeks, they should develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent location in the field.
Tiller Division
Tiller division is another method of propagating Bothriochloa alta. This method involves dividing the plant into several sections and replanting them. This method should be done during the early spring, just before the growing season begins. The plant should be dug out of the ground carefully, and the tillers separated from each other. Each tiller should have a healthy root system and several leaves. After dividing, the tillers can be planted at the desired location in the field.
Disease and pest management for Bothriochloa alta
Bothriochloa alta is a warm-season perennial grass that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, it is not entirely immune to attacks, and preventive measures can still be taken to manage potential threats. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for their management:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spots are likely to affect the plant during periods of high humidity and temperature. They appear as circular, grayish-brown spots on the leaves, and may cause them to drop prematurely. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides to the infected plants regularly or prune affected leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Leaf Rust: Leaf rust is a fungal disease that manifests as orange to reddish-brown pustules on the leaves' surface. It causes the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely, thus hindering the plant's growth. To control this disease, it's advisable to plant resistant cultivars and apply copper fungicides during the early stages of the infection.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are known to feed on the stem and roots of young Bothriochloa alta plants. They attack the plants at night, causing significant damage and stunting growth. To manage cutworms, you can handpick and dispose of them or apply biological insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Grasshoppers: Both adult and nymph grasshoppers are voracious feeders that can cause significant damage to Bothriochloa alta. They can remove all the green matter on the plant, reducing its aesthetic appeal and hindering photosynthesis. To manage grasshoppers, you can use baits, traps, or insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrin.
Conclusion
Overall, Bothriochloa alta is susceptible to few diseases and pests. However, growers can use different measures to manage potential threats effectively. By applying the above approaches to disease and pest management, you can help keep your Bothriochloa alta plant healthy and thriving.
