54 RESEEDING WESTERN GRAZING LANDS 



Moisture Requirements of Valuable Plants for Range Reseeding 



Although the above classification should not be considered 

 infallible, it may prove helpful to stockmen in the selection of 

 the proper species. Because of the adaptability of some spe- 

 cies to a wide variety of moisture and soil conditions, a single 

 species, as shown in the foregoing table, may fall under two 

 classifications. In addition to the moisture requirements of 

 plants, the physical structure and chemical nature of the soil 

 are sometimes limiting factors in plant growth. 



Seeding to a Mixture. — Seeding different species is often a 

 good plan, not only because one species may be better suited to 

 the conditions than another, but because more feed may be 

 produced the season through; moreover, the cost may be less. 

 For example, a mixture of lo pounds of Kentucky bluegrass and 

 4 pounds of timothy per acre — sufficient to produce a good stand 

 — costs only about half as much as does a pure seeding of 20 

 pounds of Kentucky bluegrass. To obtain a good cover of 

 Kentucky bluegrass requires several seasons. A combined 

 seeding of Kentucky bluegrass and timothy, on the other hand, 

 yields a crop of the latter the first year. Moreover, the tim- 

 othy crop does not seem to hold in check the development of 

 the bluegrass cover. On western ranges generally, it is seldom 

 profitable to expend more than about $3 per acre for seed and 

 planting combined. Where conditions for growth are favor- 

 able, a sparse cover, especially of sod plants, is sure to increase 



