Forage adaptability trials for forage and seed production in Bolivia. Voss, Joshua^*,1, Anderson, Val Jo², Johnson, Robert¹, ¹ Brigham Young University, Provo, UT²

ABSTRACT- Due to the harsh economic and environmental conditions of the Altiplano of Bolivia, it is incredibly difficult for farmers to maintain the health of their livestock. During the summer wet season, there is abundant forage for livestock, but during the dry winter, it becomes increasingly difficult for farmers to adequately feed their animals. Several projects have been conceived in conjunction with the Benson Institute at Brigham Young University in an attempt to find species of grasses and shrubs that can be successfully grown for forage reserve and fed to livestock on the Altiplano during this time. We conducted adaptability trials of 12 grass species at 5 sites in several different regions of Bolivia. The grasses were planted in December of 2003 and emergence and establishment have been monitored. Establishment has varied by species and site with 11 of 12 grass species establishing acceptable stands at one or more sites. These trials will continue to eventually include monitoring of stand longevity and seed production.

KEY WORDS: establishment, grass, bolivia, forage