Herbaceous_Veg_Est_Guide.pdf

FOTG - Section I - Reference Subject - Plant Materials Herbaceous Vegetation Establishment Guide

USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

1. Seeding Dates:

Seeding dates are based on climatic records, research, and experience; and represent optimum periods for grass and legume establishment. These dates should provide for adequate development of adventitious roots prior to stressful periods, such as hot, dry summers and cold, open winters. The following table shows recommended seeding dates by Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs). Variation from these dates plus or minus 5 days may be made if justified by moisture and temperature conditions.

Seeding Dates

Species Type and Season of Planting

NORTH (53A, N.1/2 53B, 55A,

N. ½ 56, N. 1/3 55B)

SOUTH (58C, 58D, 54, S. ½

53B, S. 2/3 55B, S. 56)

Cool Season Species Spring Late summer 1

Late fall (dormant) 2

Warm Season Species Spring

Warm/Cool Season Mix Spring

Prior to May 20 August 10 to September 1 See footnote 2

May 10 to June 25

May 1 to June 15

Prior to May 10 August 10 to September 15 See footnote 2

May 10 to June 25

April 20 to June 1 1 If legumes are part of a mixture, seed by August 25th. It is essential that alfalfa plants reach the 6-leaf stage prior to fall dormancy, for winter survival. Alfalfa requires 6-8 weeks growth after emergence to develop the 6-leaf stage.

2 Seeding may occur once soil temperatures drop to 40o Fahrenheit for a minimum of 5 consecutive days (usually after November 1) based upon North Dakota Agriculture Weather Network http://ndawn.ndsu.nodak.edu/index.html or actual field measurements at a depth of 2 inches.

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USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

2. Seedbed Preparation:

A. A seedbed will be prepared that is free of competing vegetation and is not subject to excessive erosion. A firm seedbed will be provided so the seed is placed at the designed depth. IT SHOULD BE FIRM ENOUGH SO THAT ADULT FOOTPRINTS

ARE HARDLY VISIBLE.

B. The presence or absence of weed populations, especially noxious weeds, will impact seedbed preparations. Each field should be evaluated for weed pressure. Seeding on fields with significant weed populations will be delayed until weeds are controlled. This may mean a protective cover crop may need to be planted.

C. When planning a seeding, the previous two years of herbicide application should be considered. Any potential carryover problems should be addressed by delaying seeding, establishing a cover crop, and/or changing species to be planted. If a cover crop is necessary, refer to part 6 of this tech note.

D. Seedbed alternatives:

1. No-Till Method - Seeding into standing stubble of a previous crop without further seedbed preparation. Excess straw or chaff should be removed prior to seeding.

Use of harvest equipment, which spreads straw along a minimum of 80 percent of the header width, will prevent excess chaff problems. If weeds or excessive volunteering of previous crop is present, control with appropriate herbicide(s) in accordance with product label directions and current recommendations from North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service (Agricultural Weed Control Guide, Cir. W-253 Rev.). http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/cropprod.htm

2. Rye produces an allelopathic agent that may inhibit germination in many grass species. If possible, avoid seeding into rye stubble or heavy rye residue. Other commonly grown crops provide good cover and do not inhibit germination.

3. Cover Crop Method - Plant a cover crop (high residue producing crop) of oats, barley, flax, grain sorghum, millet, or sudangrass during the growing season before seeding perennial forages if existing cover is insufficient to control erosion. If the cover crop method is to be used, see part 7.

4. Clean-Till Method - Seed into a new, clean tilled, firmly packed seedbed. If erosion or potential climatic factors are a potential concern, a cover crop may be used. See part 6 if a cover crop is to be used.

3. Seeding Equipment:

Seeding equipment that ensures proper seed placement and good seed-soil contact will be used. Modern grass seeding attachments that allow for proper seed flow, seed placement and soil packing are needed to ensure a successful seeding.

Slower seeding speeds should be used for fluffy or rough-coated seed species. Three to five miles per hour should be the seeding speed for most types of grass drills. Seeding speeds in excess of 6 miles per hour may result in uneven or inconsistent grass and legume stands.

If a carrier is needed to help feed seed through the drill cracked corn or rolled oats may be added to the mixture.

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USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

A. Grass Drill

Grass drills are specifically designed and equipped to properly meter and place various grass, legume and/or forb seed and share the following design characteristics.

1. Different seed boxes are normally required to handle the three types of grass seed commonly used. This includes the relatively clean, smooth seed characteristic of many cool-season grasses, the chaffy or trashy seed characteristic of many warm-season grasses, and fine, smooth seed, characteristic of legumes or grasses such as switchgrass, hard fescue, or reed canarygrass. Seed boxes having the capability of seeding chaffy or awned grasses (i.e. blue grama, bluestems, and indiangrass) are needed, only if such species are planned in the seeding mixture; likewise, fine-seed or legume seed boxes are needed, only if such species are to be seeded.

2. Agitators or similar mechanisms that prevent bridging of chaffy or trashy seed and ensure a constant flow of seed at the desired rate with uniform mixing of the species in the mixture.

3. Feeder mechanism (picker wheels, fluted feed, etc.) that ensures uniform flow of all types of grass seed either separately or in a mixture.

4. Oversized feeder tubes that allow constant flow of chaffy or trashy type seed from boxes to placement point (if such seed is used).

5. Individually mounted, adjustable, spring loaded, double-disc openers.

6. Depth bands or other depth-control systems that provide positive seed placement for final planting depth of one-fourth to one inch over varying degrees of seedbed firmness.

7. Press/packer wheels that provide adequate covering and firming of soil over and around the seed for necessary seed/soil contact after proper seed placement. T hey should be mounted individually on each furrow opener or independently to follow behind each opener. Press/packer wheels are not intended to provide the basic "firm seedbed." The firm seedbed must exist before the drilling operation begins.

8. Drill calibration should be completed for both grass and grain drills prior to seeding.

Refer to item 4 for guidance in completing drill calibration.

B. Small Grain Drill

1. Free-flowing grass seed (i.e., wheatgrasses) and legume seed can be successfully planted with a small grain drill provided proper seeding depth can be maintained throughout the field. Seeding depth is the most limiting factor to seeding success and contributes to most of the seeding failures when using a grain drill. It is extremely important to have a firm seedbed when using a grain drill. Periodic inspections should be done to check seeding depth especially when seeding across different soil types. Seeding depth will vary under actual planting conditions.

2. Checking the drill frequently and hand mixing the seed is essential to achieving a properly blended seed mix and helps ensure that seeds of different sizes are seeded evenly across the field. Periodic feeder mechanism adjustments are usually necessary to ensure proper seeding rates. A separate legume box is desirable for seeding small seeded species. (i.e. switchgrass, hard fescue, reed canarygrass, and alfalfa). Ensure that the grain drill's drop tubes are placed in front of the packer wheels to allow for proper seed-soil contact.

USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

3. Chaffy or awned seeds (i.e. bluestems, indiangrass, and blue grama) are extremely difficult to plant with a grain drill. It is recommended that a grass drill be used for these types of grasses. Proper agitation is needed to prevent “bridging” of seed in the seedbox, and the feeder mechanism must be capable of metering a uniform flow of seed at the desired rate. Very few grain drills have this capability. Use of debearded seeds is strongly recommended when considering seeding chaffy or awned seeds in a grain drill.

C. Broadcast Seeder

Broadcast seeding may only be used when the slope, soil conditions, and/or size of area to be seeded makes the use of a drill impractical or when seeding pure stands of alfalfa and/or sweet clover. All broadcast seedings will have a properly prepared seedbed (minimal residual cover with a smooth, firmly packed surface) and an operation which incorporates the seed into the soil at the proper depth (i.e. covering operation using a drag harrow, cultipacker, roller packer, or other suitable implement to cover and press the seed into the soil surface). When using the broadcast method, seeding rates listed in Table 1 will be increased by 2 times.

D. Airseeders

Some airseeders and similar types of equipment may be used to seed free flowing grass seed (i.e., wheatgrasses) and legume seed if proper seeding depth can be obtained (as specified in part 6). The shallow planting depths for grasses and legumes can be difficult to maintain with this type equipment. The equipment must be able to provide a uniform flow of seed at the desired rate. Use packer wheels or other suitable packing implement to press soil firmly around the seeds.

4. Drill Calibration:

Grass or grain drills may be calibrated using the following methods.

Bulk Weight Method:

Raise the drill's drive wheel and measure its circumference in feet. Next, measure the distance between seed spouts or disc openers. Use Table A to determine the number of revolutions (R) to turn the drive wheel for the row spacing and wheel circumference in feet

(C) for your drill.

Table A Row spacing in inches No. of seed spouts to use Turns of drive wheel Row spacing in inches No. of seed spouts to use Turns of drive wheel 6 4 96/C = R 24 1 96/C = R 7 4 82/C = R 30 1 77/C = R 8 3 96/C = R 36 1 64/C = R 10 3 77/C = R 42 1 55/C = R 12 2 96/C = R 48 1 48/C = R

Place enough seed in the box to cover spouts from which you will collect seed. Turn the drive wheel until all spouts are feeding. Place a container under the correct number of seed spouts (as determined from the Table A) and turn the drive wheel the number of revolutions previously determined. Weigh the sample in grams. Multiply this weight by 0.5. The result is the pounds per acre at that setting. Make adjustments in the drill setting and continue trials until the desired seeding rate is obtained.

Remember: Seeding rates as determined by this method are in terms of bulk seed. You need to convert your seeding rate from pure live seed per acre to bulk seed per acre when using this calibration method.

Example:

Row spacing = 7 inches Number of seed spouts = 4 Circumference of drive wheel = 6.8 ft Revolutions of drive wheel (R) = 82/C

R = 82/6.8 = 12 revolutions

Bulk seeding rate is 15.1 lbs/ac. The drill is properly set when the 4 seed spouts yield 30 grams of seed after 12 revolutions of the drive wheel.

30 grams x 0.5 = 15 lbs/ac

Seeds Per Row Foot Method:

This method of determining the amount of seed being distributed by the seeding equipment is to count the number of seeds per foot of drill row while the machine is in operation.

Fill the drill with seed, make setting, and drive equipment over a hard ground surface or canvas. Count the number of seeds per foot of row and adjust until proper seeding rate is attained. Use Table B to determine the linear foot of row necessary to equal one square foot planted.

Table B Row spacing in inches Linear foot of row to equal one square foot 6 2.0 feet 7 1.8 feet 8 1.5 feet 10 1.2 feet 12 1.0 foot

To determine the proper number of seeds per foot of drill row for a specific seeding mixture;

you will first need to calculate the bulk seeding rate for each species in the mix. From Table 1, calculate the number of seeds per square foot (ft2) for each pound seeded (seeds per pound divided by 43,560 ft2/acre). Multiply the number of seeds per square foot for each pound seeded by the bulk seeding rate for each species. Total the resulting numbers to determine the number of seeds per square foot for the mixture.

For example: If you want to calibrate a drill for a mixture of 4.5 lbs. PLS/ac green needlegrass (80% purity and 70% germination) and 4.0 lbs. PLS/ac western wheatgrass (92% purity and 85% germination), we would calculate the bulk seeding rate for each species. Bulk seeding rate would be 8lbs/ac for the green needlegrass and 5.1 lbs/ac for the western wheatgrass. Table 1 shows one pound of green needlegrass seed contains 180,000 or 4.1 seeds/ft2 for each pound seeded (180,000/43,560 ft2/acre). Western wheatgrass has 112,000 seeds per pound or about 2.6 seeds/ft2 for each pound seeded.

8 lbs/ac x 4.1 seeds/ft2/lb. = 32.8 seeds/ft2

5.1 lbs/ac x 2.6 seeds/ft2/lb. = 13.3 seeds/ft2

The total seeds per square foot for the mix would be 46. If the drill we are calibrating has 7-inch row spacing, the drill calibration would be 46 seeds per 1.8 feet of row length.

5. Seed Requirements:

A. All seed must meet the requirements of North Dakota State Seed Laws and Regulations.

Information on State seed law is available at http://www.state.nd.us/seed/regulatory/ or Chapter 4-09 of the ND Century Code available at http://www.state.nd.us/lr/. All seed;

including homegrown seed, must be officially tested for purity and germination to enable pure live seed (PLS) calculations for determining the proper seeding rate. Tests must be made within a 9 month period, exclusive of the test month, prior to seeding.

Recommend re-testing of seed within the 9 month period if stored improperly (high humidity and/or high temperature).

B. Use certified seed when available.

C. Origin of non-varietal ('common') grass seed of both native and introduced species for pasture and hayland planting is limited to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

D. Foreign seed, except Canadian, must be of adapted, named varieties, see Table 2.

E. Origin of non-varietal ('common') alfalfa types is limited to North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

F. Legume seed should be inoculated with the proper culture just prior to seeding in order to increase the potential for nitrogen fixation by the plant.

G. No noxious weed amounts are allowed on any seed tags.

H. All seeding rates will be based on pure live seed (PLS). PLS can be calculated from information on the seed tag. PLS is derived by multiplying percent pure seed by percent germination (plus percent hard seed, if present) and dividing by 100. See ND Extension Service publication A-353 "Farmer's Guide for Seed Buying" at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/crops.htm.

6. Seeding Depth:

Proper seeding depth is extremely important in successfully establishing native and introduced vegetation from seed. Native grasses, forbs, and shrubs need to be seeded at a shallow depth, as light plays a key role in the germination of many native species. Optimum seeding depths are ¼ to ¾ inch.

7. Cover and Companion Crops:

A. Cover Crops

1. A cover crop is an annual residue-producing crop, planted during the growing season before seeding the perennial crop. Its purpose is to provide cover and residues to reduce evaporation, maintain cool soil temperatures, smother or reduce weeds, trap snow, protect seedlings from extreme climatic conditions and control wind and water erosion.

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USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

2. Cover crops may be used in all MLRAs at the following rates and seeding dates:

Crop Seeding Rate Spring Dates Fall Dates Barley 25 - 30 lbs/acre Apr. 15 – June 1 Aug. 15 – Sept. 1 Spring wheat 30 - 35 lbs/acre Apr. 15 – June 1 Oats 15 - 30 lbs/acre Apr. 15 – June 1 Aug. 15 – Sept. 1 Flax 8 - 10 lbs/acre May 1 – June 1 Aug. 1 – Aug. 25 Grain sorghum 5 - 10 lbs/acre May 15 – Aug. 15 Millet 10 - 15 lbs/acre May 15 – Aug. 15 Sudangrass 15 - 20 lbs/acre May 15 – Aug. 5

3. The cover crop should be clipped to 8-10 inches in height or chemically killed during the boot stage to prevent seed formation. Remove or spread excess residues that would interfere with drilling the perennial species.

B. Companion Crops

1. A companion crop is an annual that is planted with the perennial species.

Companion crops not recommended because of excessive competition with the seeded perennial species. Where erosion is a severe hazard, companion crops may be used in all MLRAs at the following maximum rates. Seeding rates for companion crops are lower than normal seeding rates for those crops to reduce competition with the seeded perennial species.

Barley 10 lbs/acre Oats 10 lbs/acre Spring wheat 15 lbs/acre Flax 7 lbs/acre

2. If used, the companion crop should be clipped and removed before it becomes competitive with the perennial species.

8. Management and Protection During Establishment:

A. Grazing

Do not graze until stand is fully established. This period will be a minimum of one full growing season. If an adequate stand has not established during the first growing season, or if seedlings do not have well-developed root systems with adventitious roots above the sown seed, then deferment should be extended through the second growing season. Grazing during the deferment period for weed control will be handled on a case-by-case basis provided no damage will be done to the seeded species.

B. Weed Control

During the establishment period, excessive amounts of competitive weeds will be controlled. Control weeds that compete with seedlings for sunlight and/or moisture during the growing season of the species planted. The first weed control operation will be needed as recommended or prior to weed seed maturity. Repeated weed control operations may be needed. Competitive weeds can be controlled either mechanically or chemically, or by a combination of these methods.

USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

1. Mechanical - When controlling competitive weeds by clipping or mowing, adjust the equipment to cut above the new seedlings, and clip before the weeds set seed or mature. If the clippings are dense enough to smother the new seedlings, promptly remove clippings from the field.

• Mowing Height – Eight to ten inches is the preferred stubble height. This will be over the top of most 1- to 2-year old forb and legumes species in early summer.

Certain species are especially sensitive to clipping height and removal of the basal leaves may result in death of the plant. Some grass species such as switchgrass have high growing points, and once established should not be mowed at a height less than 10 inches until after the growing season.

• Equipment – Swathers generally work best because of operator visibility, maneuverability, and ease of height adjustment. The operator can quickly raise or lower the platform. If the windrows are heavy enough to smother new seedlings they should be promptly removed. Sickle bar mowers are good if an adequate, consistent stubble height can be maintained. Rotary mowers can work well if they are set at the highest wheel setting. This will usually result in about an 8-inch clipping height. A level mowing height should be maintained and travel speed as appropriate to disperse the clippings. A sharp blade is essential.

• Timing – Mowing must be done early enough in the season before most of the weed seed become viable and so the seeded species can still benefit from the “opened canopy” and put on new growth before fall. Multiple mowings in a season may be necessary with high density/biomass weed competition. Mowing in late summer or early fall provides little benefit to the seeded species and probably causes more harm than good. Check local/state regulations of individual conservation practices for the earliest allowable mowing dates.

Whenever new seedings are mowed some injury occurs to the seeded species. Young forb and legume seedlings are especially vulnerable and may be killed by driving over them. If weeds are a competition problem to the new seeding, then mowing is probably justified. Spot mowing is encouraged whenever possbile. This eliminates damage to the seeded species in areas where you don’t have to mow, and maintains the taller wildlife cover. Spot mowing also creates “edge” structure which enhances landscape diversity within the field and may provide additional wildlife benefits.

2. Chemical - To control competitive weeds with herbicides use the appropriate herbicide(s) applied according to the manufacturer’s label. The best control will generally be obtained when weeds are in the early stages of growth. Precautions should be taken to ensure that grass or legume seedlings are not injured by the selected herbicide(s). Refer to North Dakota State University, Agricultural Weed Control Guide (Cir. W-253 Rev.) for specific herbicide recommendations on forage crops in North Dakota. http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/cropprod.htm

3. Noxious weeds must be controlled in accordance with State law.

C. Insect Control

Insects can be a threat to seedlings. Contact the County Extension Service for recommendations on control of specific insects affecting seeded species.

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USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

Caution:

When using any pesticides (herbicides or insecticides) read and follow the manufacturer’s label recommendations. Read and follow all directions and precautions on the label. Use of pesticides must be consistent with the label and in accordance with State and Federal laws and regulations.

Guidelines for Stand Evaluation:

To determine adequacy of stands and to determine if reseeding or reinforcement seeding is required, use ND-CPA-9a, Stand Evaluation Worksheet, and the following guidelines:

A. It should be recognized that environmental factors, such as climate, insects, soils, and fertility affect time required for establishment of stands. Timeliness of precipitation, drought, extreme temperatures, severe winds, or late soil thaw can delay seedling emergence and/or development.

B. Seedling emergence should be relatively uniform over the area. The density of established plants required for an adequate stand will depend upon the planned purpose of the seeding and may vary from program-to-program. Consult program specific guidelines for additional information.

If specific practice or program guidelines are not available, stand counts should indicate a density of at least 3 to 5 seedlings per square foot of area. If at least 3 of the seedlings are rhizomatous species, the lower limit of 3 seedlings per square foot is adequate. The upper limit of 5 seedlings per square foot is necessary when all are bunch-type species or a mixture of rhizomatous and bunch-type species.

C. The adequacy of a stand will be based on density of established plants and stage of morphological development needed to ensure perenniality. To be considered established, a grass plant must have a well-developed adventitious root system and should exhibit signs of tillering or rhizome development. See Figure 1. An alfalfa plant must have a well-developed taproot with secondary and tertiary roots and a well-developed crown set below the soil surface and/or branch rhizome.

For more information on alfalfa seedling development, see ND Extension Service publication R-648 "Alfalfa - Seed Germination - Seedling Growth - Vegetative Development" available at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/hay.htm.

D. Preliminary stand evaluation can be made 4 to 8 weeks after germination; evaluate for progress and management problems (i.e. weeds, insects, etc.) - not for final establishment.

E. All stands must go through at least one winter before making final stand evaluation.

F. Stands resulting from late fall (dormant) or spring seedings must go through the first growing season and subsequent winter; evaluation for final establishment can be made any time during the second growing season.

G. Stands resulting from late summer seeding cannot be evaluated for final establishment until the end of subsequent, full growing season.

H. Most stands will require 2 growing seasons to become established; warm-season species may require 3 growing seasons for establishment.

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USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

I. Stand counts may either be done using a 1-square foot frame or the row count method.

If a frame count is used, all plants rooted within the frame should be counted. If the row count method is used, 2 side-by-side rows should be counted, the length to be determined by the row spacing. A 6-inch row spacing would require the observer to count all plants in 2 rows for a length of 12 inches; a 7-inch row spacing would require a 10.3-inch length of 2 rows; and an 8-inch row spacing would require a 9-inch length.

A predetermined number of steps should be taken diagonal or perpendicular to the drill rows and the frame dropped at the toe of the foot on the final step. The frame should be dropped in a consistent alignment to the drill rows. The same procedure would be used when making a row count. Instead of dropping the frame at the toe of the foot, this point would then mark the beginning of the row count.

J. The number of samples required depends on factors such as stand uniformity and the number of species to be counted. Generally, a minimum of 10 counts (or frames) per 10 acres or less of field size would result in a representative sample. End rows, turn around areas or other areas that may have been double seeded should be avoided. Ten counts per 10 acres of field size should only be used as a starting point. For example, a 70 to 80 acre pasture planting with a uniform stand may be sampled accurately using 40 counts or less. Whatever the situation, enough counts must be taken so that a representative sample is obtained.

K. ND-CPA-9A, Stand Evaluation Worksheet, may be used to document the stand counts.

L. If evaluation reveals a marginal stand, consideration should be given to allowing a second growing season for establishment. Seedings that contain a high percentage of "hard seed" are more likely to produce new seedlings during the second growing season.

M. The alternative of a partial reinforcement seeding, in lieu of the full seeding rate, should be considered during the evaluations.

N. "Spot" seeding weak areas may be a logical alternative in the case of spotty or intermittent stands, in lieu of whole field reseeding. Grazing deferment should follow spot seedings.

Table 1. Full Seeding Rates

MLRA 55A/B & 56 3 MLRA 53A/B,

54 & 58C/D 3 Species Growth

Characteristics1,2 Seeds/Pound Seed/SqFt #PLS/Ac Seed/SqFt #PLS/Ac

Introduced Cool-Season Grasses Bromegrass

Meadow B/M 80,000 30 16.5 25 13.5 Smooth R/M 135,000 25 8 20 6.5

Creeping foxtail R/M 750,000 60 3.5 60 3.5 Hard fescue B/S 565,000 50 4 35 3 Timothy B/M 1,300,000 30 1 NR NR Wheatgrass

Bluebunch-Quackgrass Hybrid B/M 135,000 46 14 33 10

Crested B/M 175,000 28 7 25 6 Intermediate R/M 88,000 20 10 17 8.5 Pubescent R/M 88,000 20 10 17 8.5 Siberian R/M 175,000 30 7.5 25 6

Tall B/T 79,000 23 13.5 20 11 Wildrye

Altai B/M 68,000 30 19 25 16 Dahurian B/M 86,000 20 10 17 8.5 Mammoth R/T 55,000 30 24 25 20 Russian B/M 175,000 30 7.5 25 6

Native Cool-Season Grasses American mannagrass R/T 1,280,000 45 1.5 45 1.5 Fowl bluegrass B/M 3,156,000 70 1 70 1 Green needlegrass B/M 180,000 30 7.5 25 6 Needle and thread B/M 115,000 25 9.5 25 9.5 Nutall alkaligrass B/S 2,108,000 50 1 50 1 Porcupine grass B/M 57,000 25 19 25 19 Prairie junegrass B/S 2,315,000 50 1 50 1 Reed canarygrass R/T 530,000 40 3.5 40 3.5 Wheatgrass

Bluebunch B/M 140,000 NR NR 25 8 Slender/Awned/Bearded B/M 155,000 25 5.5 17 5 Streambank/Thickspike R/M 155,000 NR NR 25 7 Western R/M 112,000 25 10 20 8

Whitetop R/T 191,000 11 2.4 NR NR Wildrye

Basin B/T 140,000 NR NR 25 8 Beardless R/M 150,000 30 8.5 25 7.5 Canada B/M 115,000 20 7.5 17 6.5

Table 1. Full Seeding Rates - continued

MLRA 55A/B & 56 3 MLRA 53A/B,

54 & 58C/D 3 Species Growth

Characteristics1,2 Seeds/Pound Seed/SqFt #PLS/Ac Seed/SqFt #PLS/Ac

Native Warm-Season Grasses American sloughgrass St/S 1,150,000 25 0.9 25 0.9 Bluestem

Big R/T 176,000 30 7.5 25 6 Little B/M 286,000 30 4.5 25 4 Sand R/T 113,000 30 12 25 9.5

Buffalograss St/S 50,000 30 26 25 23 Grama

Blue B/S 750,000 40 2.5 30 2 Sideoats R/S 180,000 30 7.5 25 6

Indian ricegrass B/M 235,000 30 5.5 25 4.5 Indiangrass R/T 193,000 30 7 25 5.5

Prairie cordgrass R/T 183,000 30 7 30 7 Prairie sandreed R/T 275,000 30 5 25 4 Prairie dropseed B/M 224,000 25 5 25 5 Sand dropseed B/M 5,680,000 70 0.5 70 0.5 Switchgrass R/T 390,000 40 4.5 30 3.5

Native Grass-likes Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) B/S 1,600,000 37 1 37 1

Slough sedge (Carex atherodes) R/M 230,490 25 4.7 25 4.7

Native Forbs and Legumes American vetch Pr/P 30,000 25 36 25 36 Black-eyed susan E/P 1,450,000 25 0.8 25 0.8 Blanket flower E/P 157,000 25 7 25 7 Blue verbane (V.hastata) E/P 1,488,000 34 1 34 1 Lewis flax E/P 287,000 25 3.8 25 3.8 Canada milkvetch E/P 266,000 25 4 25 4 Coneflower

Grayhead E/P/T 625,000 NR NR 25 1.7 Narrow-leaved purple E/P 120,000 25 9 25 9 Prairie (yellow) E/P 737,000 25 1.5 25 1.5 Purple E/P 120,000 25 9 25 9

Cudweed sagewort E/P/R 4,000,000 25 0.3 25 0.3 Cup plant E/P/T 22,400 NR NR 10 19 Gayfeather E/P 136,000 25 8 25 8 Dotted E/P 136,000 25 8 25 8 Thickspike E/P 60,000 NR NR 25 18 Fragrant giant hyssop E/R 1,440,000 25 0.8 25 1.7 Maximilian sunflower E/P/R 250,000 25 1.0 25 1.0 New England aster E/P/R 1,300,000 NR NR 25 8 Plains coreopsis E/A 1,650,000 25 0.7 25 0.7 Purple prairieclover E/P 290,000 25 3.8 25 3.8 Shell-leaf penstemon E/P 273,000 25 4 25 4

USDA-NRCS - North Dakota May 2008

Table 1. Full Seeding Rates - continued

MLRA 55A/B & 56 3 MLRA 53A/B,

54 & 58C/D 3 Species Growth

Characteristics1,2 Seeds/Pound Seed/SqFt #PLS/Ac Seed/SqFt #PLS/Ac

Native Forbs and Legumes (cont.)

Stiff sunflower E/P/R 85,000 25 12.8 25 12.8 Western yarrow E/P/R 2,800,000 25 0.4 25 0.4 White prairieclover E/P 278,000 25 3.9 25 3.9 Wild bergamot (Monarda) R/P 1,200,000 25 0.9 25 0.9

Introduced Legumes Alfalfa E/P 210,000 30 6.5 25 5.5 Birdsfoot trefoil Pr/P 418,000 50 5 NR NR Black medic E/A 280,000 25 4 25 4 Cicer milkvetch Pr/P 134,000 30 10 25 8 Clover

Alsike Pr/P 680,000 50 3 50 3 Ladino (white clover) Pr/P 800,000 25 1.5 25 1.5 Red Pr/P 275,000 30 5 NR NR Strawberry E/P 300,000 25 3.5 25 3.5 Sweet E/Bi 260,000 25 4 20 3

Hairy vetch Pr/A 20,000 15 30 10 20 Sainfoin E/P 18,500 15 35 (hull) 15 35 (hull)

Native Shrubs Buffaloberry E/P/R 41,000 4 4.2 4 4.2 Chokecherry E/P/R 5,000 3 26 3 26 Currant E/P 240,000 30 5.5 25 4.5 False indigo E/P 52,000 30 25 25 21 Fourwing saltbush

Dewinged E/P 52,000 7 6 7 6 Gardner saltbush E/P 110,000 30 12 25 10 Juneberry E/P/R 82,000 30 16 25 13 Leadplant E/P 200,000 30 6.5 25 5.4 Prairie rose E/P/R 45,000 30 29 25 24 Western snowberry E/P/R 74,400 30 17.5 25 14.6 Winterfat E/P 150,000 30 8.5 25 7 1 For additional information see http://plants.usda.gov/.

Abbreviation 2 Growth Characteristic A Annual B Bunch Bi Biennial E Erect M Mid 18" - 36" P Perennial Pr Prostrate R Rhizomatous S Short < 18" St Stoloniferous T Tall > 36"

3 See the Major Land Resource Areas (MLRA) of North Dakota in FOTG - Section I Maps.

http://plants.usda.gov/�

Table 2. Approved Named Varieties

Species Recommended Varieties for North Dakota Origin of non-varietal ('common') grass seed of both native and introduced is limited to ND, SD, NE, MT, WY, MN, and Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba Introduced Cool-Season Grasses Bromegrass Meadow Fleet, Paddock, Regar, Montana, MacBeth, Cache

Smooth Carlton, Signal, Magna, Manchar, Badger, Radisson, Rebound, Beacon, Barton, Baylor, Saratoga, Lincoln, AC Rocket

Creeping foxtail Retain, Garrison Hard fescue Discovery, Aurora, Reliant, Durar Timothy Climax, Itasca, Winmor Wheatgrass

Hybrid wheatgrass Crested NewHy

Type: Standard Nordan, RoadCrest, Summit Fairway Ephraim, Ruff, Parkway, Fairway Hybrid CD-II, Kirk, HyCrest, NU-ARS AC2

Intermediate Reliant, Clarke, Slate, Chief, Oahe, Haymaker, Beefmaker

Pubescent Manska, Greenleaf, Siberian Vavilov, P-27 Tall Orbit, Platte, Jose, Alkar

Wildrye Altai Pearl, Eejay, Prairieland, Mustang Dahurian Arthur, James Mammoth Volga

Russian Mankota, Tetracan, Bozoisky Select, Swift, Vinall, Bozoisky II

Native Warm and Cool-Season Grasses American mannagrass Common Fowl bluegrass Common Green needlegrass Lodorm, AC Mallard Needle and thread Common, AC sharptail Nutall alkaligrass Common Porcupine grass Common Prarie junegrass Common Reed canarygrass Palaton, Venture, Vantage, Rise Wheatgrass Bluebunch Goldar, Secar Slender/Awned/Bearded Adanac, Pryor, Revenue, Primar, AC Pintail, AC Sprig Streambank/Thickspike Bannock, Elbee, Critana, Sodar, AC Polar Western Rodan, Walsh, Flintlock, Rosana, W.R.Poole

Wildrye Basin Trailhead, Magnar Beardless Shoshone Canada Mandan

Table 2. Approved Named Varieties (cont.)

Native Warm and Cool-Season Grasses (cont.)

Bluestem Big Sunnyview, Bison, Bonilla Little Badlands, Itasca, Taylor Sand Goldstrike, Garden Buffalograss Tatanka, Bowie Grama Blue Bad River Sideoats Killdeer, Pierre, Butte Indian ricegrass Rimrock, Nezpar Indiangrass Tomahawk Prairie cordgrass Red River Prairie sandreed Goshen, Bowman Prairie dropseed Common Sand dropseed Common Switchgrass Dacotah, Forestburg, Sunburst Native Grass-likes:

Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) Common

Slough sedge (Carex atherodes) Common

Non-varietal ('common') native forbs &legumes will originate or be grown in ND, SD, NE, MT, WY, ID, WA, OR, MN, WI, IA, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba

Native Legumes/Forbs:

American vetch Common Black-eyed susan Common Blanket flower Common Blue verbane (Verbena hastata) Common

Canada milkvetch Sunrise Coneflower Grayhead Common Narrow-leaved purple Bismarck Prairie (yellow) Common, Stillwater Purple Common Cudweed sagewort Summit Cup plant Common Gayfeather Dotted Common Thickspike Common Fragrant giant hyssop Common Illinois bundleflower Common Lewis flax Appar Maximilian sunflower Medicine Creek New England aster Common Plains coreopsis Common Purple prairieclover Bismarck Shell-leaf penstemon Common Stiff sunflower Bismarck Western yarrow Common, Great Northern White prairieclover Antelope Wild bergamot (Monarda) Common

Table 2. Approved Named Varieties (cont.)

Introduced Legumes

Alfalfa 2 Fall dormancy rating or Winter Survival Index (WSI) of 3 or less 1

Birdsfoot trefoil Leo, Empire, Viking Black medic George Cicer milkvetch Lutana, Monarch, Windsor Clover Alsike Common Ladino (white clover) Common Red Common Strawberry Common Sweet Common Hairy vetch Common Sainfoin Eski

Shrubs Buffaloberry Sakakawea Chokecherry Common Currant Common False indigo Survivor Fourwing saltbush Dewinged Wytana, Snake River Gardner saltbush Common Juneberry Common Leadplant Common Prairie rose Common Western snowberry Trapper Winterfat Open range

1 The following web sites are approved for use in determining approved alfalfa varieties:

http://www.alfalfa.org/falldormancy.html or http://www.maes.umn.edu/maespubs/vartrial/vt-cntnt.html.

Varieties must have a fall dormancy rating or Winter Survival Index (WSI) of 3 or less to meet specifications.

Approved varieties which may not be shown on these web sites include Alogonquin, Anik, Blazer, Champ, Drylander, Grim, Ladak, Ladak 65, Prowler, Rambler, Rangelander, Ramsey, Ranger, Spredor 2, Teton, Travois, Vernal, and Wrangler. Alfalfa varieties not listed here or shown on these web sites will require documentation from the distributor or developer to determine suitability. Consult the appropriate area or state office specialist for assistance as needed.

2 A partial list of grazable type alfalfas can be found at "Developing Alfalfa Adapted to Grazing in the Northern

Great Plains" available at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/streeter/forage_research_index.htm http://www.alfalfa.org/falldormancy.html� http://www.maes.umn.edu/maespubs/vartrial/vt-cntnt.html� http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/streeter/forage_research_index.htm�

Table 3. Species Characteristics

Species

Drought Tolerance1

Flood Tolerance2

Saline Tolerance 3

(dS/m)

Recovery After

Harvest4

Season of

Use5 Longevity6 Grazing

Preference7 Stand

Establishment8 Introduced Grasses Bromegrass Meadow Fair Fair 5-10 Good Sp, F Medium High Medium Smooth Fair Good 5-10 Good Sp, F Long High Rapid Creeping foxtail Poor Good 10-15 Good Sp,Su,F Long High Medium Hard fescue Good Fair NR Good Sp, F Medium Medium Medium Timothy Poor Good NR Good Sp, F Short Medium Rapid Wheatgrass Hybrid wheatgrass Fair Good 15-25 Good Sp Long High Medium Crested Good Poor 10-15 Fair Sp, F Long Medium Rapid Intermediate Fair Fair 10-15 Fair Sp Long High Medium Pubescent Fair Fair 10-15 Fair Sp Long High Medium Siberian Good Poor NR Fair Sp, F Long Medium Rapid Tall Fair Good 15-25 Fair Sp,F,W Medium Low Medium Wildrye Altai Fair Good 15-25 Poor Sp,F,W Medium Medium Slow Dahurian Fair Fair NR Good Sp Short Medium Rapid Mammoth Good Poor NR Fair Sp Long Low Slow Russian Good Fair 15-25 Good Sp,F,W Medium High Medium

Native Cool-Season Grasses Green needlegrass Good Fair NR Good Sp, F Long High Medium Needle and thread Good Fair NR Fair Sp Long Medium Slow Nutall alkaligrass Poor Good 15-25 Fair Sp Long High Slow Porcupine grass Good Fair NR Good Sp Long Medium Slow Prairie junegrass Good Poor NR Poor Sp Long High Slow Reed canarygrass Fair Good 5-10 Good Sp, Su Long High Medium Wheatgrass Bluebunch Good Poor NR Poor Sp,Su,F Long High Medium Slender/Awned/Bearded Good Good 15-25 Fair Sp,Su,F Short Medium Rapid Streambank/Thickspike Good Fair 10-15 Fair Sp. F Long Medium Medium Western Good Good 15-25 Fair Sp,Su F Long Medium Medium

Table 3. Species Characteristics - continued

Tolerance1

Flood Tolerance2

Saline Tolerance 3

(dS/m)

Recovery After

Harvest4

Season of

Use5 Longevity6 Grazing

Preference7 Stand

Establishment8 Native Cool Season Grasses (cont.)

Wildrye Basin Good Fair NR Fair Sp, F Long High Slow Beardless Fair Fair 15-25 Poor Su, F Long Medium Slow Canada Fair Good 10-15 Fair Sp, F Short Medium Rapid

Native Warm-Season Grasses Bluestem Big Fair Good NR Good Su Long High Slow Little Good Poor NR Fair Su, F Long Medium Medium Sand Good Fair NR Fair Su, F Long High Slow Buffalograss Good Poor 10-15 Fair Su Long High Medium Grama Blue Good Poor NR Poor Su Long High Medium Sideoats Good Poor NR Fair Su, F Long High Medium Indian ricegrass Good Poor NR Fair Su Long High Slow Indiangrass Fair Good NR Good Su, F Long High Medium Prairie cordgrass Poor Good 10-15 Fair Sp Long Medium Slow Prairie sandreed Good Poor NR Fair Su, F Long Medium Slow Prairie dropseed Fair Good NR Fair Su Long Medium Slow Sand dropseed Good Poor NR Poor Su Short Low Rapid Switchgrass Fair Good 5-10 Fair Su, F Long Medium Medium

Native Forbs/Legumes American vetch Good Poor NR NR NR Medium NR Medium Black-eyed susan Good Good NR NR NR Short NR Rapid Blanket flower Good Fair 2-6 NR NR Medium NR Medium Lewis flax Good Fair 2-6 NR NR Medium NR Rapid Canada milkvetch Fair Good 2-6 NR NR Short NR Medium Coneflower Grayhead Good Fair NR Poor Sp, Su Medium Medium Medium Narrow-leave purple Good Poor NR NR NR Long NR Slow Prairie (yellow) Good Fair 2-6 NR NR Long NR Medium Purple Good Poor NR NR NR Long NR Medium

Tolerance 1

Flood Tolerance 2

Saline Tolerance 3

(dS/m)

Recovery After

Harvest 4

Season of

Use 5 Longevity 6 Grazing

Preference 7 Stand

Establishment 8 Native Forbs/Legumes (cont.)

Cudweed sagewort Good Poor NR NR NR Long NR Medium Cup plant Poor Good NR NR NR Long NR Medium Fragrant giant hyssop Poor Fair NR NR NR Medium NR Rapid

Gayfeather NR Dotted Good Poor NR NR NR Long NR Slow Thickspike Poor Good NR Poor NR Medium NR Slow Illinois bundleflower Fair Good NR Fair Sp, Su Short High Rapid Maximilian sunflower Poor Good 2-6 NR NR Long NR Medium New England aster Poor Good NR NR NR Long NR Medium Plains coreopsis Good Good NR NR NR Short NR Rapid Purple prairieclover Good Fair 2-6 NR NR Medium NR Medium Shell-leaf penstemon Good Poor NR NR NR Short NR Medium

Stiff sunflower Good Good 2-6 NR NR Long NR Medium Western yarrow Good Good 2-6 NR NR Long NR Medium White prairieclover Good Fair NR NR NR Medium NR Medium Wild bergamot Poor Good NR Poor Sp Medium Medium Medium

Introduced Legumes Alfalfa Good Poor 5-10 Good Sp, Su Medium High Rapid Birdsfoot trefoil Fair Fair 5-10 Good Sp, Su Medium High Rapid Black medic Fair Fair NR Poor Sp, Su Short High Rapid Cicer milkvetch Good Fair 5-10 Good Sp Long High Medium Clover Alsike Poor Good 5-10 Good Sp, Su Short High Medium Ladino (white clover) Poor Good 5-10 Fair Sp, Su Short High Medium Red Fair Fair 5-10 Fair Sp, Su Short High Medium Strawberry Fair Good 15-25 Fair Sp, Su Medium Medium Rapid Sweet Good Fair 5-10 Poor Sp, Su Medium Medium Rapid Hairy vetch Fair Fair NR Fair Su, F Short High Rapid Sainfoin Good Poor NR Fair Sp, Su Medium High Slow

Tolerance 1

Flood Tolerance 2

Saline Tolerance 3

(dS/m)

Recovery After

Harvest 4

Season of

Use 5 Longevity 6 Grazing

Preference 7 Stand

Establishment 8 Native Shrubs Buffaloberry Good Poor 8-15 NR NR Long NR Slow Chokecherry Fair Fair 4-8 NR NR Long NR Slow Currant Good Fair 8-15 NR NR Medium NR Slow False indigo Poor Good NR NR NR Medium NR Slow Fourwing saltbush Good Poor 8-15 NR NR Long NR Slow Gardner saltbush Good Poor 8-15 NR NR Long NR Slow Juneberry Poor Good 4-8 NR NR Long NR Slow Leadplant Good Poor NR NR NR Long NR Slow Prairie rose Good Fair NR NR NR Long NR Slow Western snowberry Fair Fair NR NR NR Long NR Slow Winterfat Good Poor NR NR NR Long NR Slow NR = Not Rated

1. Drought Tolerance: Based on species being on an adapted site.

2. Flood Tolerance: Good = 28-42 days; Fair = 14-28 days; Poor = less than 14 days. Creeping foxtail and reed canarygrass can tolerate up to 60 days.

3. Plant salinity tolerance ratings are based upon saturated paste measurements in decisiemens per meter (dS/m). USDA-NRCS. March 2007. Plant Materials for Salt-Affected Sites in the Northern Great Plans. Soil surface layer salinity measurements may be taken in the field using a 1:1 solution and a handheld EC Meter. To convert EC Meter readings to dS/m, multiply meter reading by 0.5.

4. Recovery after Harvest: Based on adequate soil moisture.

5. Season of Use: Sp – spring; Su – summer; F – fall; W – winter.

6. Longevity: Short 1-4 years; Medium 5-10 years; Long – longer than 10 years with proper management.

7. Grazing Preference: Based on season of rapid growth. Palatability is relative, depending on quantity, quality, and availability of other species.

Grazing preference shown is for cattle and will vary for other species of domestic livestock or wildlife.

8. Stand Establishment: Rapid – usually 1 growing season after planting; Medium – usually 1-2 growing seasons after planting; Slow – usually 2-3 growing seasons after planting.

Figure 1. Grass Seedling Morphology

Table 3. Species Characteristics