Revegetation Guidelines for Western Montana - Global Restoration ...
Revegetation Guidelines for Western Montana - Global Restoration ...
Revegetation Guidelines for Western Montana - Global Restoration ...
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Although drill seeding can enhance seedling establishment, some shortcomings should be<br />
recognized:<br />
The plants that germinate develop in rows that resemble a crop rather than a native plant<br />
community;<br />
Wetland / riparian species require plenty of light and heat to germinate – seeds should<br />
remain on top of a moist soil surface as through broadcast seeding and not drill-seeded;<br />
Long, narrow seeds, such as those of smooth brome, are difficult to plant because they<br />
become bridged within the drill;<br />
Two separate seeding operations may be necessary when planting seed mixes as some<br />
species require shallow placement while others require deeper placement in the soil;<br />
Seeds of various sizes will separate in the seed container prior to soil deposit – very small<br />
seeds vibrate to the bottom of the seed box and fall from the box faster than larger seeds.<br />
However, adding a carrier, such as sand, cracked corn, or rice hulls, can mitigate size or<br />
weight segregation of seeds by dampening vibrations in the seed box. Adding a carrier also<br />
controls the flow of problematic seeds, such as seeds with long awns like needle and thread<br />
grass or light and hairy or feathery seeds like creeping foxtail or meadow foxtail (Alopecurus<br />
pratensis). These seeds <strong>for</strong>m large bunches that interfere with the fall of individual seeds<br />
from the boxes into the seeding tubes (Munshower 1994); and<br />
Drill furrows can favor soil erosion from water flow unless seeding is per<strong>for</strong>med along slope<br />
contour.<br />
Broadcast seeding<br />
Broadcast seeding is a commonly used method. It is frequently utilized on steep, rocky, or remote<br />
sites that are not accessible to equipment. Aircraft often seed many inaccessible areas, such as those<br />
burned by wildfire. Small areas can be broadcast seeded with a hand spreader while commercial<br />
spreaders could seed larger areas. When seeding light or fluffy native<br />
seeds, ensure the seeder is designed to accommodate these seed types.<br />
Seedbed preparation is recommended prior to broadcast seeding. On<br />
accessible sites, dragging small chains or harrowing / raking will roughen<br />
and loosen the soil surface. This roughening will create seed safe sites,<br />
ensuring proper seed placement <strong>for</strong> enhanced germination and<br />
The addition of<br />
hydromulch over the<br />
broadcasted seed can<br />
enhance establishment<br />
establishment. Roughen the soil surface again following seeding and lightly roll or pack the soil, if<br />
possible.<br />
If seedbed preparation is not feasible, doubling or tripling the broadcast seeding rate based upon<br />
drill seeding or plowed ground will be necessary so an adequate amount of seed find safe sites <strong>for</strong><br />
proper germination. Consider introducing short-term livestock trampling where “hoof-action” can<br />
work to push the seeds into the soil.<br />
Broadcast seeding of wetland / riparian species is not a primary means of revegetation, but as a<br />
method to increase overall species diversity. When broadcast seeding, do not cover or pack the<br />
seeds with soil as wetland plant seeds need plenty of heat and light <strong>for</strong> proper germination.<br />
Consider planting plugs of wetland / riparian species as the primary revegetation method to ensure<br />
long-term success.<br />
Hydroseeding<br />
Hydroseeding is a <strong>for</strong>m of broadcast seeding where the seeds are dispersed in a liquid under<br />
pressure. The hydroseeder consists of a water tanker with a special pump and agitation device to<br />
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