Alkali Sacaton

Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) is a native warm season grass It is a tough perennial bunchgrass with a mature height ranging from 2 – 4 feet tall. It is found in the western half of the United States and grows in both saline and nonsaline coarse, medium, and fine textured soils. It is tolerant of salinity and a broad range of pH. After establishment, alkali sacaton is tolerant of drought and water inundation. However, it is intolerant of shade and is found growing in open areas. This is a tough perennial.

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General Description:

Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) is a native warm season grass It is a tough perennial bunchgrass with a mature height ranging from 2 – 4 feet tall. It is found in the western half of the United States and grows in both saline and nonsaline coarse, medium, and fine textured soils. It is tolerant of salinity and a broad range of pH. After establishment, alkali sacaton is tolerant of drought and water inundation. However, it is intolerant of shade and is found growing in open areas. This is a tough perennial.

Alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) grows on dry to moist sites with sand or gravelly soil. This species is often found growing on alkaline flats, prairies, and sandy plateaus. It is common along drainage in desert and semi-desert areas. It is an important forage species in the arid and semiarid regions of the Southwest United States. It is both salt and alkali tolerant and will grow in areas with a minimum of 12 inches of precipitation each year.

The grass is tolerant of moderate grazing and a good forage producer. It has the ability to efficiently use extra water during forage production. It is tolerant of fire but can be killed if the fire is severe. Fire recovery has been reported from 2 to 4 years. Summer fires have more of an effect than winter fires.

This plant has historically seen some ethnobotanic use. The Hopi Indians use the seeds in times of famine. They were ground into flour, eaten dry or made into a mush.

Alkali sacaton is considered a primary or secondary invader on saline soils.

Uses:

Alkali sacaton is good forage for horses and cattle in the far western United States in arid or semiarid regions. It is also a source of food for deer, small mammals , birds (game and non game), and waterfowl. It is relished by jackrabbits. Commonly used for erosion control, ranges, and habitat improvement.

It is also frequently utilized for seeding and stabilizing disturbed areas. Due to its salt tolerance, it is recommended for seeding saline sites such as oil well pits and saline waste from power generating plants.

Planting Conditions:

Alkali Sacaton survive in a wide range of conditions. It does well in heat, drought, high salinity, and high alkalinity. It thrives in heavy clays, draining basins, and alkali bottoms. It can survive in sandy or loamy soils but does best when a high pH is present. It can tolerate flooding but the soil needs to dry out afterward.

Establishment:

Early establishment is slow so give it time in the beginning. Don’t plant deeper than 1/4″ and don’t bury the seed. Make sure to plant in a firm, weeds free preped site. It will struggle if it has competition right off the bat.

The best time to plant is late fall or early spring. Light irrigation for the first 6-8 weeks helps performance. Once it has fully established it is drought tolerant.

Seeding Rate:

5-6 pounds per acre