Natural Resources Conservation Service

Plant Materials Program

United States Department of Agriculture

Evaluating Plant Materials to Slow the Spread of Wildfires in the West

Wildfires are a major problem in the Intermountain West, affecting thousands of acres of rangelands. Vegetative greenstrips are one tool to slow the spread of rangeland wildfires. Western Plant Materials Centers are evaluating native plant species to fill this niche.

The introduced shrub forage kochia (right) is a commonly used greenstrip species. Its potential for spread into native plant communities is cause for concern among ecologists.

Finding a better fava bean for cover cropping in western states

The Plant Materials Centers in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona have teamed up to conduct a regional adaptation trial to identify better fava bean cover crops for western states.

A photo of a tall dense stand of Fava Beans in California

Celebrate Earth Day with USDA and Climate-Smart Agriculture

Partner with us to reduce the impacts of climate change, build climate resiliency, and strengthen your agricultural operation. Learn more.

Herbaceous Mimosa - A Native Legume for Improving Pastures in the Southern U.S.

Herbaceous Mimosa is a low growing, drought and flood tolerant perennial native legume that is compatible with introduced forage grasses, provides a nitrogen source, and improves the forage quality of pastures.

This is an image of cattle grazing pastures established with Crockett Germplasm herbaceous mimosa and introduced forage grasses at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station.

Adaptation matters - Indiangrass selections for the Deep South

One of the most important decisions a landowner or conservationist must make when designing a planting is to select and use well-adapted seed sources.