Pellet seeding on sagebrush range


Category:  Range Science
Linked Publication
Language: English
Author(s): Gordon E. Gatherum
Description: Seeding deteriorated range lands efficiently and economically has become one of the most promising means of improving the agri­cultural economy of the western range states. By providing the most rapid means of increasing the quantity and improving the quality of forage for livestock, and aiding in the prevention of soil erosion, artificial seeding contributes directly to the stability of agri culture. Although many successful methods of artificial revegetation have been developed by experience and through research, there is still a great need for refinement in techniques to insure better overall success and greater economy of operation. Improper methods often result in costs which are in excess of the true value of the land. One of the latest techniques proposed is that of pellet seeding which is believed by some stockmen to be the panacea for range seed ing problems. Pelleting is an attempt to prepare seeds for broadcast planting to get more even seed distribution; increased germination and growth; and protection from drought, insects and rodents. Actual seeding of ranges should be preceded by extensive experi mentation to determine the effectiveness of a proposed technique. How ever, considering the increased use of pellet seeding and the enthusiasm with which it has been received, too little actual experimental work has been accomplished to warrant widespread acceptance of this method. The present study was undertaken to determine the seedling emergence and survival from pellets, as compared to un-pelleted seeds, when planted on a typical Intermountain foothill range located at the base of the Bear River Mountain Range on the east side of Cache Valley, Utah.