Late Spring Planting Feasibility

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Late Spring Planting Feasibility

July 22, 2014

Dan Mummey supplies an update on 2014 seeding success.

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Dan Mummey Restoration Update

We drill seeded test strips in mid-may to evaluate the feasibility of a late season seeding. I thought this strategy would have little chance of success because the high danger of seedling desiccation in the heat. The strategy worked better than anything we’ve tried in the past. Forbs established and late sown grasses have already set seed. Late seeding may give us an opportunity to augment or fill in fields that fail in fall and early spring.

Indian rice grass establishes better than other grasses in most seeded areas. We suspect that dormant seeds survived early spring conditions to germinate and establish after late spring precipitation.

This photo shows our “checkerboard” seeding pattern. Seeded species establishment was good despite issues with cutworms. We saw poor establishment in a few clay target fall zones.

This photo shows our “checkerboard” seeding pattern. Seeded species establishment was good despite issues with cutworms. We saw poor establishment in a few clay target fall zones.

Plains coreopsis started blooming this week. This photo shows crossing forb rows.

Slopes near the turnaround trap wind-blown seed. Early efforts to control weeds and establish native species from seed in these areas failed. Kelly LaFlamme and her high school student crew planted containerized grasses, forbs and shrubs to fill vacant niche space in these areas. They water and pull weeds to facilitate establishment.

Seedbank analyses suggested that crested wheatgrass seed abundance is patchy in the treatment areas. This photo shows an area of abundant crested wheatgrass seedlings.

We sprayed glyphosate in areas outlined by red polygons to control crested wheatgrass seedlings and annual weeds.

Native species establishment was poor on Orchard house hill. Additional seeding is required. Recent rains caused a bloom of annual weeds. We sprayed the area to decrease competition for future seeding.

Remnant grasses and forbs grow large after release from weed competition on Indian Ridge. It’s unusual to see blue grama as large and green as the plants in the upper photo. Weed control created lots of bare ground and open niche space.