Nutrient contents of three Atriplex species (Atriplex cancensces, atriplex linearis and Atriplex polycarpa) under different management practices and site conditions

There are thousands hectares of abandoned farmlands in Arizona. Research on practical methods for establishing native plants and wildlife on abandoned farmlands is under way at the Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix and the University of Arizona. This research is aimed at improving understanding of the primary variables affecting restoration of abandoned farmlands. These variables include: water treatments, planting dates, mulch and water catchment, seasonal planting and plant species composition. The objectives of the study is to investigate the effect of land restoration practices on nitrogen, protein, fiber (NDF and ADF), ash and dry matter contents of three Atriplex species under different management and site conditions. The amount of nutrient contents in Atriplex species growing on abandoned farmlands under irrigation and conservation practices is higher when compared to no irrigation or control in Casa Grande research site. Atriplex species growing under mulch and water catchment condition had significantly higher nutrient content compared to other treatments. Furthermore, seasonal planting in abandoned farmlands affected the nutrient contents of Atriplex cultivars at the University of Arizona farm. The Atriplex cultivar planted in the winter had higher nutrient contents when compared to those planted in the summer and irrigated with a sprinkler irrigation system for some cultivars. A better understanding of how these variables affect nutrient contents of Atriplex species used in this restoration study will play an important role in directing public interest towards the revegetation of abandoned farmlands in southern Arizona for food production