P03_2021 Range_Tech_Note_4.pdf

SOUTH DAKOTA TECHNICAL GUIDE

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 1 OF 108 April 2021

TECHNICAL NOTE

RANGE TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 4 April 2021

PERENNIAL VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT GUIDE

This technical note is to serve as a guide for installing herbaceous perennial vegetation according to the practice standards found in the South Dakota (SD) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Technical Guide. It is the producer’s responsibility to maintain this practice for the expected life span.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SEEDING DATES

2. SEEDBED PREPARATION

3. STAND RENOVATION SEEDINGS

4. SEEDING EQUIPMENT

5. DRILL CALIBRATION

6. SEED REQUIREMENTS

7. SEEDING RATES

8. SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS

9. SPECIES SELECTION AND ADAPTABILITY BY SITE FOR VARIOUS LAND USES

10. SEEDING DEPTH

11. STANDARD SEED MIXES

12. COVER AND COMPANION CROPS

13. MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION DURING ESTABLISHMENT

14. GUIDANCE FOR CRITICAL AREA PLANTING (342)

15. GUIDANCE FOR PASTURE AND HAY PLANTING (512)

16. GUIDANCE FOR RANGE PLANTING (550)

17. GUIDANCE FOR VEGETATED TREATMENT AREAS (635)

18. GUIDELINES FOR STAND EVALUATION

TABLE 1. APPROVED NAMED VARIETIES

TABLE 2. FULL SEEDING RATES

TABLE 3. SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS

TABLE 4. SPECIES ADAPTABILITY BY FORAGE SUITABILITY GROUPS

MAJOR LAND RESOURCE AREA (MLRA) 53B

MLRA 53C

MLRA 54

MLRA 55B

MLRA 55C

MLRA 56

MLRA 58D

MLRA 60A

MLRA 61

MLRA 62

MLRA 63A

MLRA 63B

MLRA 64

MLRA 65

MLRA 66

MLRA 102A & 102B

MLRA 102C

TABLE 5. RANGE SEEDING RATES AND MIXTURES

MLRA 53B

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 2 OF 108 April 2021

MLRA 53C, 55C

MLRA 54

MLRA 55B

MLRA 58D

MLRA 60A

MLRA 61

MLRA 62

MLRA 63A

MLRA 63B

MLRA 64

MLRA 65, 66

MLRA 102A, 102B, 102C and 56

TABLE 6A. PRAIRIE RESTORATION

TALL-GRASS PRAIRIE REGION -- MLRAs 56, 102A, 102B, 102C

TABLE 6B. PRAIRIE RESTORATION

MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE REGION -- MLRAs 54, 58D, 60A MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE REGION -- MLRAs 53B, 53C, 55B, 55C, 63A, 63B, 64, 65, 66

TABLE 7. CRITICAL AREA PLANTING (342)

MLRAs 53B, 53C, 55B, 55C

MLRA 54, 63A

MLRA 64, 65

MLRA 58D, 60A, 61

MLRA 62

MLRA 63B, 66

MLRAs 102A, 102B, 102C, and 56

TABLE 8. VEGETATED TREATMENT AREAS (635) SUGGESTED SEEDING MIXTURES

TABLE 9. SD’s ACRONYMS FOR ECOLOGICAL SITES

FIGURE 1. GRASS SEEDLING MORPHOLOGY

FIGURE 2. MLRA Map of SD

1. SEEDING DATES

Seeding dates are based on climatic records, research, experience, and represent optimum periods for grass and/or forb/legume establishment. They vary from north to south and east to west with variation in soil temperatures and moisture conditions. Optimum seeding dates fluctuate annually. Recommended dates will provide for adequate development of adventitious roots (see Figure 1) prior to stressful periods, such as hot, dry summers, and cold, open winters. The dates listed below are suggestions that may be changed by the local district conservationist 10 days in either direction depending on current climatic conditions if conditions are properly documented.

Early Spring Prior to May 15 – Cool-season species and warm-season species. This is the best period for mixtures of cool-and warm-season grasses and forbs. Weed control as part of seedbed preparation can be accomplished by chemical burn-down or tillage and packing. See Sections 2 and 12 for a more detailed explanation.

Late Spring May 15 to June 15 – Warm-season species. Optimum period is when sustained soil temperatures reach 60 degrees (°) Fahrenheit (F). This is the best period for warm-season grasses for similar reasons related to seedbed preparation and weed control as stated above. If planting a mix of cool and warm season species, 51 percent (%) of the mix must be warm seasons in order to plant during this time frame.

Late Summer August 1 to September 1 – Cool-season species only. Seed only if soil moisture is adequate at or near the surface and to a substantial depth. Good for cool-season species on fields with weed management problems. If alfalfa is part of a mixture, seed by August 25. It is

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 3 OF 108 April 2021 essential that alfalfa plants reach the six-leaf stage prior to fall dormancy, for winter survival.

Alfalfa requires six-eight weeks growth after emergence to develop the six-leaf stage.

Dormant November 1 to Spring Thaw – Cool-season species and warm-season species (including forbs), but the following guidance should be met:

• Soil temperature should be no more than 40°F at 10:00 a.m. before the seeding can occur.

Information on current SD soil temperatures is available at SD State University’s (SDSUs) Mesonet Site (https://climate.sdstate.edu/archive/maps/) or at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/scan/.

• Pre-plant tillage may not be performed.

• If excessive cover exists, drill must be equipped with furrow openers or other equipment capable of consistently cutting through residue and ensuring soil-seed contact.

• A minimum of 40% residue cover should be present at the time of seeding (see below for examples of 40% residue in cropland.) The intent is to provide for erosion control and to prevent early soil warming and premature germination of warm-season species when a late spring frost may adversely affect these plants.

• Weed growth will not be considered adequate cover for the purpose of reducing spring soil temperatures.

• A cover crop may be used to address the concerns related to residue/cover requirements for dormant season seedings. Refer to Section 12, (Cover and Companion Crops). Note that planting dates for these cover crops do not extend beyond September 1. This is to ensure adequate growth before a fall frost.

Examples of 40% ground cover:

2. SEEDBED PREPARATION

New Seedings:

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. The seedbed should be firm enough so that the boot heel of an average adult penetrates the soil to a depth of approximately one-half inch.

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 should be delayed until weeds are controlled. This may mean a protective cover crop will need to be planted (see Section 12 for Cover Crop methods).

When planning a seeding, the previous three years of herbicide application should be considered.

Use chemical labels to determine if there are any potential carryover issues. If the label doesn’t https://climate.sdstate.edu/archive/maps/ http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/scan/

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 4 OF 108 April 2021 specifically address grass, legume, or forb species, then utilize “all other crops not listed” portion of the label. 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 Section 12.

Proper seedbed preparation should begin with the previous year's crop. Select a crop in the year prior to planting which is dissimilar to the species to be established. For example, soybean residue produces an excellent seedbed for grass species. Proper selection of crops the year prior to seeding will greatly enhance the success rate of the seeding and reduce seedbed preparation time.

Several crops (notably rye, wheat, barley, and alfalfa) are known to produce allelopathic chemicals which inhibit germination and new seedling establishment. Other commonly grown crops provide good cover and do not inhibit germination. Direct seeding into recently sprayed, hayed (or rolled) green rye or wheat will be avoided as the allelopathic effect will inhibit successful stand establishment. Fresh crop residue and freshly decomposing residue may have allelopathic impacts on growing seedlings. For dormant seedings, this is not a consideration. Heavy residue should be baled and removed to avoid pinning and ensure good seed to soil contact. Do not seed alfalfa into an existing thinning alfalfa stand or into a newly killed alfalfa stand. Wait at least one year before reseeding alfalfa into a field previously in alfalfa or an alfalfa mix.

In the event that grass seeding follows allelopathic crops (e.g., rye, wheat, alfalfa), residue management becomes important. The degree of crop residue decomposition prior to the next crop affects this allelopathic response. Newly incorporated residues are highly allelopathic while a loss of allelopathy occurs as residues decompose. Therefore, stubble from these crops should be allowed to overwinter before attempting to establish new seedings. In no-till situations, consider planting a cover crop that will enhance residue decomposition. For additional information on no-till and cover crop methods, see below and Section 12.

Seedbed Preparation Methods:

No-Till Method – Seeding into standing stubble of a previous crop without further seedbed preparation. Seed to soil contact, seeding depth, and seed placement are critical and equipment settings and ability of equipment utilized to seed into heavy cover is critical. Pinning, seeding too deep, or not placing seed in contact with soil are major reasons for poor stands or stand failures.

Excess straw or chaff should be removed prior to seeding. Use of harvest equipment, which spreads straw along a minimum of 80% of the header width, will prevent excess chaff problems. If weeds or excessive volunteering of previous crop are present, control with appropriate herbicide(s) in accordance with product label directions and any current recommendations from SDSU Cooperative Extension Service.

Cover Crop Method – Plant a cover crop the season prior to seeding perennial species. Cover crops may be a single species or a diverse mix but should not include overwintering species (i.e., winter wheat, cereal rye, etc.). Using cover crops to prepare the seedbed will help manage erosion, increase organic matter, enhance soil biology, reduce compaction, alleviate herbicide issues, trap moisture for dormant seedings, manage salinity or salt issues, reduce weed pressure, and/or reduce excessive residue by promoting decomposition and nutrient cycling. Cover crops may be hayed or grazed prior to seeding if excessive residue will inhibit seeding equipment from operating properly. No-till the perennial species directly into cover crop residue if possible. For more information about use of cover crops during perennial grass establishment see Section 12.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 5 OF 108 April 2021

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 should be used. See Section 12 if a cover crop is to be used. Clean-till methods should not be utilized for a dormant seeding, unless cover crops are included.

3. STAND RENOVATION SEEDINGS

It may be desirable to replace an existing stand of introduced grass or grasses and legumes that has declined in vigor or no longer meets objectives. If it is necessary to establish a stand into an existing stand without any tillage operations, then a no-till seedbed may be prepared utilizing herbicides to completely control the existing grasses or grasses and legumes. The existing vegetation is controlled, and the new seed is planted directly into the undisturbed sod of the old species. Prior to attempting this method, excess litter should be removed if necessary, allowing seeding equipment to function properly. The existing stand may be hayed, grazed heavily, or prescribed burned to remove excessive litter. Herbicides are then applied to the regrowth.

Glyphosate applied to actively growing plants in the fall of the year is the herbicide method of choice for eradication of cool-season grasses.

A spring follow-up application may be required to gain complete control. If no lush fall growth is present, defer application until the spring. In either case, all existing vegetation should be destroyed prior to drilling the new seeding. The new seeding is drilled directly into the destroyed stand.

This method of seeding is generally not as successful as seeding into a fully prepared seedbed due to several issues relating to seed to soil contact. It should only be used to renovate stands of introduced grasses, when soil conditions, availability of equipment, program restrictions, and other constraints make the use of a fully prepared seedbed impractical. It should never be used to rejuvenate rangelands. Rangelands are generally best improved through management techniques such as prescribed grazing or prescribed burning (please see the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Prescribed Grazing (528) or CPS Prescribed Burning (338)).

Stand Enhancement Seedings:

It is often the goal of management to attempt to establish new species of grasses and/or legumes directly into existing stands. Established growing stands of grasses or grass/legumes fully utilize all water, soil, and solar resources especially in western portions of SD. Attempting to establish new species into existing stands generally results in failure due to the existing vegetation out competing new seedlings for water and sunlight. Therefore, establishing new species directly into existing growing stands is not recommended. One exception is the enhancement of existing stands of introduced grasses through the addition of legumes.

Competition from existing vegetation is reduced either through tillage or herbicides. If tillage is used, it should consist of one chisel followed by one or two disking’s. Tillage should be a minimum of three inches deep. If herbicides are used, they should be applied at rates which will temporarily impede the growth of existing vegetation. Legumes are then drilled directly into the tilled or herbicide treated seedbed.

Reinforcement Seeding:

Often when a new seeding is completed, portions fail to establish satisfactorily. Thin stands may exist across portions if not all of the stand. Areas of unsatisfactory plant populations may be improved by drilling seed directly into the existing thin portions of the stand. Weeds need to be controlled with herbicides prior to drilling. If excessive litter is present, it may have to be removed by mowing, raking, and removing the vegetation or through prescribed burning.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 6 OF 108 April 2021

4. 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 six 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.

Drill calibration should be completed for both grass and grain drills prior to seeding. Please refer to Section 5 for guidance in completing drill calibration.

Grass Drill:

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

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.

Agitators or similar mechanisms prevent bridging of chaffy or trashy seed. They ensure a constant flow of seed at the desired rate. The seed is uniformly mixed.

Feeder mechanisms (picker wheels, fluted feed, etc.,) ensure uniform flow of all types of grass seed either separately or in a mixture.

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

Individually mounted, adjustable, spring loaded, double-disc openers will help to achieve good seed-to-soil contact.

Depth bands or other depth control systems should provide positive seed placement over varying degrees of seedbed firmness for a final planting depth of one-fourth to three quarters of an inch.

Press/packer wheels should provide adequate covering and firming of soil over and around the seed for necessary seed to soil contact after proper seed placement. They can 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.

Small Grain Drill:

Free-flowing grass seed (i.e., wheatgrasses) and legume seed can be planted with a small grain drill, only if, 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

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 7 OF 108 April 2021 inspections should be done to check seeding depth especially when seeding across different soil types. Seeding depth will vary under actual planting conditions.

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.

Chaffy or awned seeds (i.e., bluestems, Indiangrass, and blue grama,) are extremely difficult to plant with a grain drill. Proper agitation is needed to prevent “bridging” of seed in the seed box 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. It is recommended that a grass drill be used for these types of fluffy seeded grasses.

Broadcast Seeder:

Broadcast seeding may only be used when seeding some legume species (i.e., alfalfa, sweet clover) or when slope, soil conditions, and/or size of the area to be seeded make the use of a drill impractical. Obtaining proper seed depth is very difficult with broadcast seeders. All broadcast seedings will have an operation which incorporates the seed into the soil (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, the seeding rates listed in Table 2 will be multiplied by 1.5.

Air seeders:

Some air seeders 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 Section 10). 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.

Land Rollers When tillage is deemed necessary for seedbed preparation, the use of a land roller may be needed to achieve a firm seedbed prior to using one of the previously mentioned seeding equipment.

Using a land roller on non-tilled soil may also be an option if the seedbed is not firm enough.

5. 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 (C) in feet (ft) for your drill.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 8 OF 108 April 2021

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 (lbs.) per acre (ac) at that setting. Continue making adjustments in the drill setting and 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 ac to bulk seed per ac 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 ft 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 ft of row and adjust until proper seeding rate is attained. Please use Table B to determine the linear ft of row necessary to equal one square ft planted.

Table B Row spacing in inches Linear ft of row to equal one square ft 6 2.0 ft 7 1.7 ft 8 1.5 ft 10 1.2 ft 12 1.0 ft

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 9 OF 108 April 2021

To determine the proper number of seeds per ft 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 2, calculate the number of seeds per square foot (ft2) for each lbs. seeded (seeds per lbs. divided by 43,560 ft2/ac). Multiply the number of seeds per ft2 for each lb. seeded by the bulk seeding rate for each species. Total the resulting numbers to determine the number of seeds per ft2 for the mixture.

For example, if you want to calibrate a drill for a mixture of 4.5 lbs. pure live seed (PLS)/ac green needlegrass (80% purity and 70% germination) and 4.0 lbs. PLS/acre western wheatgrass (92% purity, and 85% germination), calculate the bulk seeding rate for each species. Bulk seeding rate would be 8 lb./ac for the green needlegrass and 5.1 lbs./ac for the western wheatgrass. Table 2 shows one lbs. of green needlegrass seed contains 180,000 or 4.1 seeds/ft2 for each lbs. seeded (180,000/43,560 ft2/ac). Western wheatgrass has 112,000 seeds per lbs. or about 2.6 seeds/ft2 for each lb. 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 ft2 for the mix would be 46. If the drill being calibrated has 7-inch row spacing, the drill calibration would be 46 seeds per 1.7 ft of row length.

6. SEED REQUIREMENTS

All seed must meet the requirements of SD State Seed Laws and Regulations. Information on state seed law is available under SD Article 12:36, Seed Inspection (http://sdlegislature.gov/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:36). All seed: including homegrown seed, must be officially tested for purity and germination to enable PLS calculations for determining the proper seeding rate. Tests must be made within a nine-month period, exclusive of the test month, prior to seeding. Retesting of seed is required if the nine month period has lapsed as stated in Article 12:36:04:01 (http://sdlegislature.gov/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:36:04:01).

Information on sending seed to the seed lab at SDSU for testing is available at:

http://www.sdstate.edu/ps/seed-lab/index.cfm.

Use certified seed when available.

Origin of non-varietal (common) grass seed of both native and introduced species for any planting is limited to North Dakota (ND), SD, Nebraska (NE), Montana (MT), Wyoming (WY), Minnesota (MN), and Iowa (IA).

Origin of non-varietal (common) native forbs and legumes is limited to ND, SD, NE, MT, WY, MN, IA, Idaho (ID), Washington (WA), Oregon (OR), Wisconsin (WI) in the United States and Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), Manitoba (MB), Ontario (ON), and Saskatchewan (SK) in Canada.

Foreign seed must be of adapted, named varieties.

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.

No noxious weed amounts are allowed on any seed tags. Recommended varieties for use in SD are included in Table 1.

http://sdlegislature.gov/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:36 http://sdlegislature.gov/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:36:04:01 http://www.sdstate.edu/ps/seed-lab/index.cfm

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 10 OF 108 April 2021

7. SEEDING RATES

All seeding rates will be based on PLS. The PLS can be calculated from information on the seed tag. By state law, seed tags must contain certain information. Specific information on seed tag requirements can be found at http://sdlegislature.gov/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:36.

The PLS is derived by multiplying % pure seed by the % germination (plus % hard seed if present) and dividing by 100. For example, if a sample of Indian grass has a purity of 96% and a germination of 74%, PLS would be calculated as follows:

(96% x 74%)/100 = 71.04% PLS per lbs. of bulk seed

To calculate the lbs. of bulk seed required, divide the PLS requirement for the seeding by the % PLS (expressed as a decimal). For example, if 1,000 lbs. of PLS of the above Indiangrass is required for the seeding, the amount of bulk seed to purchase and apply to the field is:

1,000 lbs. of PLS/0.7104% = 1,408 lbs. of bulk seed

Table 2 contains seeding rates for all species approved for use in SD by Major Land Resource Area (MLRA). Figure 2 provides a map showing SD MLRAs. Seeding rates have been developed to achieve an average distribution of 25 to 30 seeds per ft2.

The percentage that each species makes of the mixture when added together will equal at least 100% in the seeding plan (such as the SD-CPA-4).

8. SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS

Species vary in their ability to tolerate environmental conditions such as drought and flooding (anaerobic tolerance). They also vary widely in their ability to establish, recover after a harvest, and persist. Season of growth influences species selection regarding forage preference and periods of use. Table 3 identifies numerous characteristics for all recommended species.

9. SPECIES SELECTION AND ADAPTABILITY BY SITE FOR VARIOUS LAND USES

Certain species are best adapted to specific site conditions. In order for a seeding to be successful, it should be adapted to the soil, landscape, climatic, and topographic conditions.

Seedings are also designed for their specific uses. For example, a seeding designed for the production of hay or intensive spring livestock grazing will contain different species than a seeding which is designed to restore native tall grass prairies. When two or more ecological sites (ES) are planned to be seeded with the same mixture a single species can be counted toward the required minimum of species on each ES, provided they are eligible species for the included sites.

Table 4 contains species recommendations for Forage and Biomass Plantings (512). It is sorted by pasture and hay land suitability groups and by forage suitability groups, respectively (groupings of similar soil capabilities), and MLRA. More information detailing specific requirements of this practice can be found in the electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG) at:

https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/ .

Table 5 contains species recommendations for all grassland restoration type plantings. The table is sorted by ES (a grouping of similar soil capabilities) and MLRA. More information detailing specific requirements of this practice can be found in the eFOTG at:

https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/.

Table 6 has been combined with Table 5, so all prairie restoration seedings should use Table 5.

http://sdlegislature.gov/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=12:36 https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 11 OF 108 April 2021

Table 7 contains species recommendations for Critical Area Plantings (342). It is sorted by determining soil property (a grouping of similar soil capabilities) and MLRA. More information detailing specific requirements of this practice can be found in the eFOTG at:

https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/.

Table 8 contains suggested seeding mixtures for Vegetated Treatment Areas (635). It is sorted by MLRA and predominant site conditions. More information detailing specific requirements of this practices can be found in the eFOTG at: https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/.

10. SEEDING DEPTH

Optimum seeding depths are between one-quarter to three-quarter inch. 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. Seeding too deep is the number one reason for stand failures.

11. STANDARD SEED MIXES

Standard seed mixes have been developed for Conservation Practices. This information can be found in Range Tech Note No 11 – Standard Seed Mixes. This tech note is located in eFOTG under Section 1 – All Technical Notes – Range.

12. COVER AND COMPANION CROPS

Cover Crops:

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, reduce weed competition, trap snow, alleviate herbicide interactions, improve soil structure, and promote soil biology, and control wind and water erosion.

Cover crops may be used in all MLRAs. The following are examples of seeding dates and seeding rates:

Crop Seeding Rate (lbs./ac) Spring Dates Fall Dates Barley 25 – 30 April 15 – June 1 Aug 15 – Sept 1 Oats 15 – 30 April 15 – June 1 Aug 15 – Sept 1 Grain sorghum 5 – 10 May 15 – Aug 15 Millet 10 – 15 May 15 – Aug 15 Sudangrass 15 – 20 May 15 – Aug 5

Any cover mix may be used to accomplish any one of the purposes listed above. A planner may develop a cover crop mixture that will meet the objectives of landowner/operator and will ensure that the cover crop will not interfere with the establishment of the perennial grass. Do not use overwintering species (wheat or rye) in a mix. Use of overwintering species will increase competition for the new seeding and may result in a failed stand.

The cover crop should not be allowed to go to boot stage. It should be clipped or grazed to 8-10 ins. in height, chemically killed prior to boot stage, or late seeded to winter kill in order to prevent seed formation. Remove or spread excess residues that would interfere with the drilling operation of the perennial species.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 12 OF 108 April 2021

For more information on cover crops, species selection, and seeding rates, see CPS Cover Crop

(340) and the Cover Crop Job sheet (SD-JS-340). These can be found in the eFOTG, Section 4 https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/.

Companion Crops:

A companion crop is an annual that is planted with the perennial species. Companion crops are 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. Companion crops may also be useful to help certain seed mixtures flow through drills.

Seeding rates for companion crops are lower than normal seeding rates for those crops to reduce competition with the seeded perennial species.

Seeding rates for companion crops should not exceed:

Barley: 10 lbs./ac Oats: 10 lbs./ac Spring wheat: 15 lbs./ac

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

13. MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION DURING ESTABLISHMENT

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. See Figure 1, at the end of the document for a visual of adventitious roots. Flash grazing treatments 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.

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 early in seedling development 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.

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. If the clippings are dense enough to smother the new seedlings, promptly remove the clippings from the field.

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). Please refer to SDSU Agricultural Weed Control Guides for specific herbicide recommendations on forage crops in SD.

Conditions may arise that limit weed control options. When weeds become too tall to manage with chemical or mechanical means, other options should be considered. Prescribed burning in the fall (or spring), mow-rake-and-bale, or other options may be advisable on a case-by-case basis.

Contact your local or area specialist for further guidance in these situations.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 13 OF 108 April 2021

Noxious weeds must be controlled in accordance with state law.

Insect Control:

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

Caution:

When using any pesticides (herbicides or insecticides), please read and follow the manufacturer’s label recommendations. The use of pesticides must be consistent with the label and in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.

14. GUIDANCE FOR CRITICAL AREA PLANTING (342)

Seeding of a critical area may take place at any time of the year as long as a reasonable expectation of a successful seeding establishment is expected.

Site Preparation:

Follow guidance for seedbed preparation (Section 2 above) and the additional following criteria.

If necessary, divert offsite water away from the critical area. This may require a permanent conservation practice, or in other instances, a temporary measure that will be effective during the period of establishment.

Where practical, grade to permit the use of conventional equipment for seedbed preparation, seeding, mulch application, and anchoring. Cabling of equipment to prevent rollover may be necessary on some slopes such as newly constructed dams.

On construction sites where the exposed and underlying soil material will not support adequate vegetation, minimum topsoil dressing of six inches will be applied as part of construction.

After construction is complete, the seedbed will be worked to a depth of three to five inches to break up compacted areas and permit rapid root development. Drag or pack to break up large clods and firm the seedbed.

Where slopes are steeper than 1.5:1, use some means other than vegetation to stabilize slopes.

Species Selection:

Allowable species will be selected from Table 7 for the appropriate MLRA.

A minimum of 75% of the mixture will be made up of sod forming species. Grass mixtures may include all native species, all introduced species, or a mixture of native and introduced species.

Mixing smooth bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and/or crested wheatgrass with native species is not typically recommended.

When smooth brome is to be seeded in a mixture, do not include more than 10% of other native or introduced species for early establishment.

Single species may be used on saline or wet areas (Table 7).

Do not select aggressive species such as smooth bromegrass when the adjacent area is dominated by native species.

When quick growth and/or protection of a critical area is needed, a quick establishing grass can be added in addition to the selected permanent seeding mixture. Use either slender wheatgrass or annual ryegrass. Slender wheatgrass can be used statewide and annual rye grass can be used in

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 14 OF 108 April 2021

MLRAs 102A, 102B, 102C, 53B, 53C, 55B, 55C, 63B, 66, and 62. Add a maximum of three PLS lbs./ac of slender wheatgrass or a maximum of two PLS lbs./ac of annual ryegrass to the selected full seeding.

Conventional Seeding:

Seeding activities will follow recommendations found elsewhere in this technical note unless otherwise stated in this section.

Seeding rates will be 1.5 times those recommended in Table 2 when using a drill (recommended rate multiplied by 1.5).

When possible, drilling will be accomplished perpendicular to the slope. On grassed waterways, drilling will follow a serpentine pattern.

Broadcasting:

Many critical area plantings are too steep or too small to utilize a drill efficiently and safely. In these cases, seed may be broadcast and incorporated by harrowing, packing, or raking by hand.

When broadcast seeding, increase the seeding rates found in Table 2 by two times (recommended rate multiplied by two).

Hydroseeding:

On sites that are too steep for regular equipment to operate, the use of a hydro seeder is an acceptable alternative. Seed, fertilizer, and mulch materials will be applied in one operation. Limit the application of 150 lbs. of solids per 100 gallons of water. If a legume seed is included in the mixture, any lime or fertilizer should be applied separately. A second trip may also be needed to apply an asphalt emulsion to long fiber mulches.

When using hydroseeding technique, increase seeding rates found in Table 2 by a factor of two (recommended rate multiplied by two).

Sodding:

Sod may be used on areas requiring immediate cover to prevent erosion. The sod should be in strips or blocks of native grass mixture, switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, reed canary grass, or other suitable grasses. Bluegrass sod is to be used only when the areas is irrigated and is desired for aesthetic purposes. Sod materials are to be taken from solid, thick growing stands.

Sod will be cut in strips of uniform width and to a uniform thickness of at least three inches for tall grass and ½ to 1½ inches for short grasses. Lay sod within 24 hours after it was cut.

Sod strips should be carefully placed in rows across (at right angles) to the direction of slope. The sod strips will be placed together tightly so that no open joints are left between the strips or between the end of strips. Joints between the end strips will be staggered. Any spaces between the joints will be filled with topsoil and all edges covered with topsoil at least two inches deep. The edge of the sod at the top of slopes will be turned under and a layer of soil compacted over the edge so as to conduct surface water over and onto the top of the sod. The sod will be well tramped to help it remain in place.

Fertilizing:

Do not fertilize predominantly warm-season grass seeding unless the soil material is very infertile.

Thoroughly mix all fertilizer into the upper three to five inches of the soil during final seedbed preparation.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 15 OF 108 April 2021

Apply fertilizer based on the recommendations from a soil test or apply 30 to 40 lbs. of actual Nitrogen (N) and 40 to 60 lbs. of Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) per ac. Ten to 15 tons of manure per ac may be used in lieu of the commercial fertilizer and will also increase organic matter.

On medium textured soils, the addition of 5 to 10 lbs. of zinc per ac may speed up growth.

Mulching:

All mulching will be done in accordance with the SD CPS for Mulching (484). Mulching of critical area plantings is required for any of the following conditions:

Where seeding cannot be accomplished during the approved seeding periods and a cover crop is not used.

On grassed waterways, where a cover crop or companion crop is not used, and seeding is placed on a bare seedbed, and the design velocity is more than 2.5 ft per second.

Where a grassed waterway is established at the time of terrace construction, and the channel slope is 2% or greater.

On slopes 3:1 or steeper that are 10 ft or more in vertical height or longer than 20 ft; on cut south and west facing slopes; On all saline and alkaline areas.

Drill grass in the prepared seedbed, immediately prior to mulching or at the next suitable seeding period after mulching.

Management of Critical Areas During and After Establishment:

Weeds will be controlled as described elsewhere in this technical note. All use will be excluded until vegetation is well established.

Mow grassed waterways for hay annually after establishment. Other critical areas may be mowed as needed for stand maintenance.

Fertilize as necessary to maintain stand.

Inspect critical areas each spring and following heavy rain. Reshape and reseed eroded areas promptly. Reinforce grass seeding where stands are thin.

Manage any grazing use to ensure long-term survival of the stand

Lift tillage implements and shut off sprayers when crossing critical areas. Do not till parallel to grassed waterways.

Avoid vehicular travel on critical areas.

Providing Food, Cover, and Shelter for Wildlife:

Wildlife habitat should be considered when developing critical area planting plans and species selection. For plant species to improve wildlife habitat, refer to the SD CPS Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645).

15. GUIDANCE FOR PASTURE AND HAY PLANTING (512)

Seedbed preparation:

See Section 2 for seedbed preparation guidance.

Species Selection:

Select species to be seeded from Table 4 for the appropriate MLRA. See Figure 2 below for

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 16 OF 108 April 2021

MLRA map of SD. In cases where additional species selection is needed, see Table 5 for the appropriate ecological site for the chosen MLRA.

On slopes over 8%, 50% of the seed mixture will be rhizomatous species.

When more than one grass species is used, the percentage that each species make of the mixture should be in near equal proportions. If a legume is used in the mixture with two or more species, the percentage of the mixture left after determining the percentage of legume used should be divided into equal or near equal amounts between the grass species.

Introduced legumes should generally only be planted with cool-season grasses. Do not mix native and introduced grasses, unless the phenology, morphology, and seedling vigor of selected species is similar.

Species planned for seeding pastureland should be compatible with the planned management of the entire operating unit. Select species that provide good forage during the season pasture will be sued for grazing.

For ease of management and proper use, pasture and hayland mixtures should generally consist of no more than two to four (ranging from west to east) grass species having similar growth habits and seasons of use. These may be planted with or without legumes. Seeding mixes with large numbers of grass species do provide additional benefits such as improved wildlife habitat, improved forage quality throughout the season, and greater resistance to abnormal environmental conditions such as drought or insect pressures. They do, however, create additional management challenges due to the seasonality of forage production and differing levels of palatability by livestock.

Cool-season pasture mixtures containing a legume will produce higher yields and better-quality forage than pure grass stands. For seedings where the primary planned use is livestock grazing, the percentage of legumes in the mixture will not exceed 50% (PLS basis) of the amount required for a full seeding. Pasture-type alfalfa or non-bloating legumes will be used. The land user should be aware of the bloat hazard when legumes are included in mixes that will be grazed.

Stand Enhancement Seedings through 512 Stand enhancement (adding legumes to existing stands) is sometimes a viable option to improve an existing stand. Seeding rates for stand enhancement through the addition of legumes should be one-half of a full seeding on pasturelands and a full seeding rate for haylands. Seedbed preparation will follow procedures described in Section 2. Seedbed Preparation above. Stand enhancement with legumes is only recommended east of the Missouri River, on all irrigated lands, and within the Black Hills and surrounding foothills.

16. GUIDANCE FOR RANGE PLANTING (550)

Seedbed preparation:

See Section 2 for seedbed preparation guidance.

Species Selection:

Select species to be seeded from Table 5 for the appropriate MLRA. See Figure 2 below for MLRA map of SD.

Selected species should have a reasonable chance of surviving across all ES within the planned seeding area. Seedings will be based on dominate ES within the planned unit. Species with a

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL NOTES – RANGE – PAGE 17 OF 108 April 2021 narrow range of environmental adaptability (i.e., species adapted to wet sites) will not be used on fields containing ES with diverse site characteristics (i.e., wet to dry).

An alternative to designing a single seeding mixture for multiple sites is to design and apply a unique seeding mixture for each ES occurring in the area to be seeded. This method is recommended when existing sites have very diverse characteristics (i.e., wet vs. dry sites). The logistics of identifying the sites in the field, changing seed mixtures in the drill, and making certain all areas are seeded will be considered prior to selecting this method.

All seedings will contain a minimum of four species of which at least 75% of the seeding will be comprised of native species. If non-natives are to be used, up to 25% of the mix can be comprised of non-native grasses or legumes and will not exceed 10% non-native legumes. Non-native invasive species including smooth bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and crested wheatgrass will not be included in any 550 seeding.

Seedings by ES are encouraged and should be used where deemed appropriate. Species that are adapted across multiple ES within the planning unit should be utilized. A greater diversity of native species beyond the 4 species minimum is recommended.

For purposes of combatting competitive non-native species, competitive native rhizomatous species may be planned at a higher % rate than is listed in Table 5. Total for all species should still equal at least 100%. For example: surrounding adjacent existing grasslands or right-of-way comprise a high percentage of smooth bromegrass, the adjacent site calls for 20% maximum big bluestem. You may choose to plant more than 20% big bluestem.

When the ES is restrictive in the number of species that are recommended for the site, a higher percentage rate than is listed in Table 5 may be used.

Interseeding:

Due to the possibility of limited success when attempting to interseed native species into existing rangeland, interseeding will only be allowed if the following criteria are met. When interseeding into existing untreated rangeland, a specialized piece of equipment that prepares a seedbed and drills seed in one pass (interseeder) will be used. The interseeder should be equipped to plant fluffy and free flowing grass seeds, have double disc openers, and packer wheels. Seeding rates for interseedings will be one-half the rate shown in Table 2.

17. GUIDANCE FOR VEGETATED TREATMENT AREAS (635)

Species Selection:

At least three species are recommended to be included in each mixture and one of these should be tolerant to flooding and/or saturated conditions such as creeping foxtail, reed canary grass, etc.

If salts/salinity is a potential concern (electrical conductivity (EC) >4.0 mmhos/cm) utilize salt tolerant species as listed in the table below or in Table 3. Species Characteristics.

Sod forming grasses are preferred; however, bunch grasses can be included in mixtures which include at least two sod forming species.

Since most flow will occur during the spring and early summer months it is advisable to use cool-season grasses for a majority of the mix.