ABSTRACT
The cosmopolitan genus Atriplex consists of approximately 200 species, many of which have been recognized for years as potential forage plants. Recent investigations have shown that several species of saltbushes may adapt readily to routine agronomic forage crop production. These species are characterized by high biomass, high protein, and mineral levels adequate for animal nutrition. Most species are halophytes and can therefore be irrigated with saline or brackish water, provided soil characteristics are suitable. Such plants can expand agricultural production into areas not heretofore considered suitable for agriculture; Atriplex might also be used to "harvest" salt and thereby reclaim saline land for agricultural production.
