Effects of cattle trampling and mechanical seedbed preparation on grass seedling emergence
-
-
Authors: V. K. Winkel, and B. A. Roundy
Date: 1991
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 44
Number: 2
Pages: 176-180
Summary of Methods: Winkel and Roundy measured seedling densities, cover and species composition of native plants in plots exposed to mechanical seedbed preparation techniques (root plowing, land imprinting and ripping) prior to seed application and light or heavy cattle trampling (after seed application). Emergence of planted seedlings and native plants was strongly influenced by precipitation patterns and climactic conditions, which may be more important than seedbed preparation techniques in some years. However, in general, seedling emergence for most species was greatest in plots that were exposed to heavy trampling, intermediate in plots exposed to mechanical methods, and lowest in plots exposed to light trampling or no disturbance. Based on these results the authors recommend using heavy cattle trampling or mechanical seedbed preparation to enhance seedling emergence. Authors caution that these results are based on years with heavy or moderate precipitation and may not be applicable in dry years.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: seed location, seed depth, seedbed preparation, revegetation, root plowing, land imprinting, sideoats grama, bouteloua curtipendula, blue panic, panicum antidotale, lehmann lovegrass, cochise lovegrass, eragrostis spp.
Annotation: Pastures were not grazed. Pastures were broadcast seeded and light (10 hoofprints/ m2) or heavy (5 cattle herded in a 36 m2 plot for 20 minutes) trampling treatments were applied.
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-