Revegetation Guidelines for Western Montana - Global Restoration ...

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