Growth, Physiology, and Productivity of Bouteloua gracilis and Cenchrus ciliaris Using Moisture Retainers under Different Planting Methods

The extensive raising of livestock on grasslands is a relevant economic activity in northern Mexico. These are regions high climatic uncertainty and have extreme weather events, which requires the exploration technological innovation to mitigate negative impacts these agroecosystems. aim this study was evaluate two grass species using planting methods types soil moisture retainers determine their response based growth some physiological productive attributes. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) used split–split plot arrangement with six replications. main plots were planted species: Bouteloua gracilis Cenchrus ciliaris; subplots differentiated by methods: seeding seedling transplanting; sub-subplots used: (1) application 10 t ha−1 corn harvest residue (CHR) as organic cover surface, (2) hydrogel at 20 kg mixed rhizosphere because it must be contact root due its chemical composition, (3) control, no any type input. transplant method CHR significantly increased (p < 0.05) plant survival percentage, average 31.5% both grasses, relation direct control. C. ciliaris showed higher photosynthetic rate and, therefore, forage productivity than B. gracilis. only retention effect during first days after or sowing seed; period, there longer water retainer soil. confirmed good greater rangeland degraded soils arid areas.