VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Elytrigia repens | Quackgrass 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Quackgrass provides cover for numerous small rodents, birds, and
waterfowl [30,45].


PALATABILITY : 
Many palatable hybrid crosses of quackgrass and other species have been
developed and planted for livestock [2].  Feeding trials in Minnesota
showed that a quackgrass biotype was as palatable as alfalfa (Medicago
spp.)  [37].  In cattle grazing trials in Montana, preference was shown
for some clonal lines of a quackgrass-bluebunch wheatgrass
(Pseudoroegneria spicata) cross [46].

The degree of use shown by livestock for quackgrass in five western
states has been rated as follows [14]:

                  CO       MT     ND     UT     WY
cattle           good     good   good   good   good
sheep            fair     fair   fair   good   fair
horses           good     good   good   good   good.


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Quackgrass has been rated fair in energy value and poor in protein value
[14].  However, food value studies in Minnesota showed that quackgrass
had as much crude protein as alfalfa during May [37].  These authors
list concentrations of 10 minerals found in quackgrass in Minnesota.
Results of Alaskan studies showed that quackgrass did not contain enough
magnesium required for ruminant digestion nor did it have a high mineral
content.  However, digestibility was 64 percent and greater in three
harvest trials [38].


COVER VALUE : 
The degree to which quackgrass provides cover for wildlife has been
rated as follows [14]:

                             MT      ND      UT
small mammals               good    fair    good
small nongame birds         fair    good    fair
upland game birds           good    good    fair
waterfowl                   good    good    fair
 


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Quackgrass has been used to revegetate mine tailings in Nova Scotia
[48].  A quackgrass/Fairway crested wheatgrass hybrid may be useful for
revegetating mine spoils and roadsides [2].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Although quackgrass is considered an undesirable weed species it is
often crossed with other wheatgrasses (Agropryon spp.) to create hybrids
for grazing [2,6].  It can be controlled with chemicals such as
glyphosate, dichlobenil, and fauzifop [50].  Sometimes, however,
chemicals are not effective.  In Wisconsin, 2,4-D applied to quackgrass
caused a slight increase in quackgrass cover and no effect on stem
density [23].  In Midwestern prairies, mowing and raking significantly
reduced quackgrass biomass and prevented flowering the following growing
season [13].  Mowing, burning, and chemical application combined may be
the best way to eradicate quackgrass [33].

Related categories for Species: Elytrigia repens | Quackgrass