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<br /> the lower seed viability and production of the falcata types, <br />• combined with lower seedling vigor and slow seedling <br /> development should keep the composition of alfalfa in the <br /> stands at reasonable levels, particularly at the low initial <br /> seeding rate. <br /> PWCC does not advocate the use of introduced species over <br /> native species when the latter have reasonable availability <br /> and can be successfully established. However, in terms of <br /> utility, forage quality, and nutritional balance in reclaimed <br /> communities, inclusion of alfalfa can be highly beneficial. <br /> In a premine woody community, shrubs aid in balancing forages <br /> and nutritional quality. Since shrubs cannot be quickly <br /> reestablished, alfalfa can provide very good forage quality <br /> enhancements in the interim. As an example, digestible <br /> protein and energy, phosphorous, and carotene levels for <br /> alfalfa are similar to Gambel oak. An added benefit of <br /> alfalfa is its growth form and stature, which benefits <br /> structural diversity in reclaimed areas which tend to be grass <br /> dominated. PWCC has not found any suitable native species <br /> (either through seeding efforts or research) that are readily <br /> established and provide similar benefits. The presence of <br /> established falcata type alfalfa will ensure that these <br /> benefits remain during the interim, while the slower <br /> developing shrubs and other native forbs increase dominance in <br /> the stand. <br />• <br /> Additional information on Medicacro falcata and alfalfa may be <br /> found in: <br />Irrigated Pastures for Colorado <br />Cooperative Extension Service, CSU <br />Bulletin 469A <br />Improved Range Plants <br />Society for Range Management <br />Range Symposium Series No. 1 <br />Alfalfa Survival and Vigor in Rangeland <br />Grazed by Sheep <br />Journal of Range Management <br />Vol. 39, No. 1, p. 59 <br />Survival and Agronomic Performance of 25 Alfalfa <br />Cultivars and Strains interseeded into Rangelands <br />Journal of Range Management <br />Vol. 42, No. 4, p. 312 <br />Digestible Protein in Range Forages as an Index <br />to Nutrient Content and Animal Response <br />CSU-Range Science Department <br />• Science Series No. 29, December 1977 <br />3 <br />