of seed distribution ^: t d soil preparation lust 32 adapted to 



r PiN/".-: IL IN G C 1 : ^ iT ICv : 5 ♦ 



Besides selecting the proper species and obtaining good seed, there is 

 the problem of how to plant it. This may be considered in two phases: 

 (1) distributing the seed, and (2) working the soil as needed to provide 

 proper covering and to reduce competition. 



Seed is usually distributed either by drilling or by broadcasting. 

 Drilling is restricted mainly to areas where the surface is fairly even 

 and reasonably free from large rcchs and other obstructions. On areas 

 too rugged or otherwise unsuited to drilling, seed is usually broadcast 

 either by hand or with various machines. 



It is not always necessary to work the soil. Where a drill will provide 

 proper cover as it distributes the seed and competition is not likely to 

 be severe, other soil treatment may not be needed. Where there is little 

 or no competition and the soil surface is fairly loose or surface moisture 

 is dependable, seedbed preparation may not be needed even with broadcasting. 



On the ether hand, where considerable undesirable vegetation such as 

 cheat grass or sagebrush is present or where the soil surface is firm so 

 that natural covering would not be expected, it is necessary to work the 

 soil. This is not difficult where conventional farm equipment such as 

 plows, harrows, disks, etc., will operate satisfactorily. But on steep 

 or rocky areas, those supporting considerable sagebrush or other shrubs 

 and trees, and on areas inaccessible to ordinary equipment, ingenuity is 

 needed to devise a practical way to prepare the seedbed. Several useful 

 pieces of specialized equipment, such as rails and self-clearing harrows, 

 have been improvised and in some cases standard machines, such as the 

 Wheatland plow, have been adapted for use under these difficult conditions. 



For further details concerning the equipment mentioned above and other 

 items useful in range reseeding, please refer to section V. 



ADHERENCE TO PROVED PRINCIPLES .A? a) PRACTICES IS THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SEEDING 

 Costs in general must be kept low and in proper relation to probable 

 returns. Frequently, however, a few extra dollars invested in improving 

 the seedbed or in obtaining the best seed will make the difference between 

 success and failure or between a prompt, vigorous stand that will give 

 early returns and a stand that takes years to become established. 



The general principles which follow should be considered in connection 

 with every range reseeding job. Llore specific recommendations of species 

 and methods that have been found effective on typical sites and conditions 

 will be discussed in section III. 



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