Seed only species that ere known to be adapted to the particular site 

 to be seeded , and use the best seed available. Mixtures are frequently 

 more desirable than pure stands where more than one species is well 

 adapted. To the extent possible, mixtures should contain both quick- 

 developing and long-lived species, and sod formers as well as bunch- 

 grasses. Legumes are valuable in mixtures because they improve the soil 

 and add extra protein to the forage, but possibility of bloat must be 

 considered. Seed grown under conditions similar to those where it is to 

 be planted should be obtained where practicable. Proven species are 

 listed for specific sites in section III. 



Seed at the proper season, t that is, either in the fall or very early 

 spring, except for a few species such as grama grass. Fall seeding is 

 favored when seedlings must compete, as on grain stubble, with numerous 

 annual weeds (especially winter growing plants such as cheatgrass) ; or 

 where frost action is needed to cover the seed; where late snow or 

 other conditions prevent early spring work; or where a seedbed which is 

 weed-free with a loose surface in the fall is likely to be crusted by 

 spring (e.g. burned timberlands, summer-made skid trails, etc.) If stored 

 soil moisture is ample, early fall seeding has an advantage, but if not, 

 late fall (after October 15) may be safer. Early spring is a favorable 

 time for seeding on clean, well prepared seedbeds, especially when a drill 

 is used. 



Provide proper covering of seed . Host grasses do best whan seed is 

 covered with 1/4 to 1 inch of mineral soil. The smaller seeded species, 

 such as the bluegrasses and timothy, are favored by the shallower, and 

 larger seeded ones like the bromes and wheatgrasses by the deeper covering. 

 Firm seedbeds are desirable if they can be had without sacrificing either 

 proper cover or reduction of competition. One-half to 3/4 of an inch is 

 a good average depth for seeding mixtures of small and large seeds. 



Use ample seed and distribute it evenly . Since seed is cheaper and 

 labor more costly than a few years ago, most ;T reseeders ;r favor using 

 50 to 100 percent mere seed than used to be recommended to increase the 

 chances for early establishment of full stands. For example, although 

 rates of 4 or 5 pounds per acre of crested wheatgrass have sometimes given 

 excellent stands, rates of around 6 pounds of crested wheatgrass or 12 

 to 15 pounds of smooth brome are now commonly used when drilling on fair 

 to good seedbeds. Less efficient methods such as broadcasting on poor 

 seedbeds may require 25 to 50 percent more seed. 



■Avoid or reduce severe competition from cheatgrass, sagebrush or perennial 

 weeds and grasses. Young seedlings of most perennial grasses are rather 

 easily damaged or choked out by established perennials or early growing 

 annuals. Reseeding without reducing competition should probably not be 

 attempted where density of perennial grass exceeds about 10 percent. It 

 is very risky to seed in dense cheatgrass without first destroying most of 

 it. Summer weeds, such as Russian thistle, which do not causo much 

 competition until late spring, are usually loss harmful. 



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