Grass Seedling Emergence and Survival from Furrows

Abstract

Intermediate wheatgrass was seeded in 8 different furrow conditions for 5 years at 8,400 feet elevation and crested wheatgrass for 3 years at 4,800 feet elevation. At the high elevation best seedling emergence was from level and from 1- and 2-inch furrows. Plant survival was best from these 3 positions and from the bottom and north exposure of 4-inch furrows. The south exposure and ridge of 4-inch furrows were poorest in plant survival. At the lower elevation, plant emergence and survival were the best on the level, 1-, 2-, and 4-inch furrows and poorest on the ridge and north and south exposures. In an earlier study .36 plants/foot of drill row emerged and .07 survived in 4-inch furrows. On the ridge between, 1.62 plants/ft emerged and .22 survived. In these studies, the deep furrows were no better for seedling emergence than shallow furrows and the level.