2017-03-08_PERMIT FILE - M1997015

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k MRCS* SLS c,.,,ion Helping People Help the Land Seeding Date Seedbed Seed Placement Seed Quality Weed Control Five Keys to Successful Grass Seeding Establishing a stand of grass requires proper planning and attention to detail. Perennial grasses differ in establishment requirements compared to annual grain crops. Five keys to successful grass seeding and establishment are presented in the following narrative. Adhering to these guidelines will greatly improve your chances of a successful grass stand. Key #1 -Seeding Date _ 1 Grasses should be seeded when soil moisture and temperature are optimum for germination. Grasses are designated either "cool' or "warm" season based of their growth cycle. Cool -season grasses can be planted when temperatures are cooler and day lengths shorter. Warm -season grasses need warmer temperatures and longer day lengths to grow. Following are recommended planting dates for cool -season and warm -season grasses in the Northern Great Plains. Key #2 - Seedbed t;ooaSeasoq Q s tlY tm'ssssw Ckass*r Sprkg tate sprinp (001WIHeY) (mid NNrwlote ,lune) Late summer late summer is (J*AuOus4 NOT mcammended Late fall as a domtant 0awnp tete rapldarmaot is {end of Wobar or letcq NOT optimum A proper seedbed is firm and free of competing vegetation. Correct firmness is when an adult footprint is only slightly visible on the prepared bed prior to the seeding operation. The seedbed can be firmed, if needed, by pulling a commercial or homemade packer or roller. A firm seedbed is essential for proper seeding depth. A loose, fluffy bed will place seeds too deep for proper germination. Seed requiring light for germination will be hindered by a deep planting depth. Seed that germinates but does not have enough nutrient reserve for the shoot to reach the surface is also hindered by a deep planting depth. Most species should be planted at a shallow depth of'/ to Yh inch. Larger seeds can be planted up to I inch deep. Most seedings are too deep if you cannot see a few seeds on the soil surface. Averaga Parattit lEmmm,anoe frofn $mine Number of Viable SW op loam Solt Depth Species 112 1 of Planting 1112 2 nches 2112 3 Oplimtnn Depth ss 94 94 83 62 40 8 112-1 Wermediete when! rasa 92 98 90 77 38 6 112-1 tall wheaVass 93 90 83 61 27 3 V2 -1 reed ea rasa 76 73 67 54 37 9 1R -1 crested-vAeatorm 87 79 44 6 0 0 112-1 western Whealarass 71 72 54 0 0 0 112-1 9wilctorlin 75 65 45 0 0 0 112-1 bla bluestem 65 s9 38 0 0 0 112-1 stdeoata grama e2 39 0 0 0 0 112 blue ararna 81 33 a 0 0 0 112 fiffaffa 74 AQ no data 7 no data 112 sweet clover 62 30 *u dift 4 na loss 1 12 Note Data on introduced grasses from Canada. Scienillc Ag. 26:9 September 1948 Data on native grasses from SCS Nursery, Mandan, ND, June 1949 Date on lagwraes from University of Minnesota reproduced in the Journal of American Society of Agmnorry Grasses can be successfully seeded into a tilleci or no -tilled seedbed, provided weeds are controlled and residue is managed prior to planting. Weeds compete with seedlings for moisture and light. Optimum control comes with several years of weed management prior to seeding At seeding time, there should be no actively growing weeds. Weeds can be controlled with tillage and/or herbicides applied before or just after seeding. Like a weed, companion crops can compete with the seeded species for water and light. Unless erosion is a problem, companion crops are generally not recommended in grass seedings. Residue affects seeding depth and seed soil contact- Tillage, fire, and mowing can be used to manage residue prior to seeding. Tolerable residue amounts are dependent on seeding equipment to be used. Residue should be harrowed to spread extra chaff and straw. Late summer and dormant seedings are best planted into standing stubble.