The Initial Growth of Two Range Grasses on Nonfertilized and Fertilized Soils Collected from Creosotebush Communities in the Southwestern United States

A glassbouse study was conducted to dtttrmint how nonftrtillztd and ftrtlllztd solls collected ln crtoto~tbutb [Lunta Mdcntou (DC.) Cov.] communitlts would influence seedling ltaf gowtb and shoot production of Lebmann lovtgrass (Erugrostis Mmadana Nees) and blue pa&grass (Pdcum untidotde Ritz.). Soila were collected at 3 locations around creosottbusb plants: (1) at the crown base (Basal), (2) along tbt outer canopy tdgt (Drip), and (3) ln areas between plants (Open). Ltafltngtbs and shoot production were greatest on nonftrtillztd soils collected at the plant base, inttnntdiatt at the canopy edge, and least in open areas. Leaf lengths and shoot production significantly increased on ftrtilized solls collected in open areas.