GRASS CULTURE AND RANGE IMPROVEMENT 1 J 



DEPTH OF SEEDING 



Practically all grasses require shallow seeding, the actual depth 

 depending on size of seed and texture of soil. Satisfactory emer- 

 gence with most perennial pasture grasses has been obtained from 

 seedings made at depths ranging from % to iy 2 inches. Slightly 

 deeper plantings have been satisfactory on sandy soils. Preliminary 

 results indicate that the optimum depth for average conditions is about 

 one inch. Distributing the seed uniformly throughout the range of 

 depths mentioned above will prolong the period of emergence but 

 insure against total failure, if subsequent conditions prove to be espe- 

 cially adverse for any one depth. 



BATE OF SEEDING 



Optimum rates of seeding vary with such a wide variety of condi- 

 tions that few reliable suggestions can be offered until more extensive 

 trials are completed. Some of the factors that influence the rate of 

 seeding are size and quality of the seed, i. e., the number of viable 

 seeds per pound; purity or freedom from foreign or inert matter; 

 method of seeding; and, if in rows, the distance between rows; prep- 

 aration of seedbed ; spreading habit of the grass ; and climatic condi- 

 tions. Broadcast seedings require heavier rates than close-drilled 

 seedings. A few grasses, including sand dropseed, sand paspalum, 

 buffalo grass, and Indian ricegrass, respond to seed treatment in the 

 form of freezing, aging, or scarification. The price of seed often 

 determines the amount to use. Grasses capable of spreading rapidly 

 by vegetative means or by natural reseeding may be sown at thinner 

 rates than those that spread more slowly. 



The number of seeds per pound has been computed for many 

 grasses, and, this information if used in connection with tests of 

 purity and germination, will be helpful in determining suitable seed- 

 ing rates for special conditions. 



DATE OF SEEDING 



With few exceptions most grasses adapted to the central and 

 southern Great Plains may be sown to best advantage medium early 

 in the spring after there is no further danger of frost. High winds 

 are often less prevalent at this time than earlier in the spring; tem- 

 peratures are more favorable to rapid growth, and precipitation is 

 usually higher and better distributed. A study of weather records 

 by Chilcott {10), indicate that these favorable conditions are more 

 apt to prevail after the middle of April than before that time. When 

 surface moisture is available in abundance and wind-resisting stub- 

 ble is present early in the spring, the grass may be seeded in the 

 undisturbed stubble as soon as the weather moderates and before 

 weeds have started growth. This eliminates the necessity of partly 

 destroying the stubble by surface tillage in advance of seeding and 

 gives the grass an even start with the weeds. Soil moisture, how- 

 ever, is seldom sufficient to risk seeding early in the spring. Light 

 precipitation at this time often starts many weeds but fails to pro- 

 vide sufficient moisture to maintain the slow-growing grasses 

 through periods of high winds until more rains are received. When 

 early moisture is inadequate, seedings should be delayed until more 



