by Keith Harmoney, range scientist, Hays
Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) is one of the most common native forbs found throughout Kansas rangelands. Western ragweed is a perennial plant that can form dense colonies from growth of lateral creeping rootstalks. It’s used by wildlife for cover and for food, and the high protein content of western ragweed seed makes it a valuable staple of bobwhite quail and other grassland bird diets. Cattle also graze on western ragweed and utilized up to 50% of the western ragweed produced in moderately stocked pastures when measured in a long-term grazing trial at the Ag. Research Center in Hays. Continue reading “How Does Western Ragweed Impact Pasture Production?”