Treesearch
Seeding big sagebrush successfully on Intermountain rangelands
| Authors: | Susan E. Meyer, Thomas W. Warren |
| Year: | 2015 |
| Type: | Miscellaneous |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | Great Basin Factsheet Series Number 10. Sage Grouse Initiative. 5 p. Online: http://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/seeding-big-sagebrush-successfully-on-intermountain-rangelands/. |
Download (PDF 1.21 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/50107.pdf
Abstract
Big sagebrush can be seeded successfully on climatically suitable sites in the Great Basin using the proper seeding guidelines. These guidelines include using sufficient quantities of high-quality seed of the correct subspecies and ecotype, seeding in late fall to mid-winter, making sure that the seed is not planted too deeply, and seeding into an environment with reduced competition. Reducing the seeding rates of highly competitive grasses will increase the chances of sagebrush establishment. Aerial seeding the first winter after a burn following drilling of larger-seeded species at reasonable rates is one approach for large scale-post-fire restoration projects that has been successful.