Performance Evaluations of Herbaceous Vegetation on Disturbed Forestland in Southeastern Montana

Forestry Technical Note Number MT-27

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Forestry Technical Note Number MT-27 (PDF; 422 KB)

April 2006
by Robert Logar, State Staff Forester and Larry Holzworth, Plant Materials Specialist

Summary

Information for seeding herbaceous vegetation following forestland disturbance was identified as a conservation need in southeastern Montana. The herbaceous vegetation could be used to control soil erosion, stabilize disturbed sites, manage noxious weeds and provide forage. The Fulton Ranch field evaluation planting (FEP) was established in November 1995 on a disturbed forestland site in southeastern Montana to study the adaptation, performance and use of various grass species. The site, a Ponderosa pine/Idaho fescue habitat-type, had received a light to moderate burn from a wildfire that occurred in August 1994 and was logged the following spring. Nineteen evaluation plots were established to test seventeen different accessions of grasses; two control (unseeded) plots were established. Each plot was one-quarter of an acre in size. Seeded species included ‘Sherman’ big bluegrass, ‘Latar’ orchardgrass, ‘Paiute’ orchardgrass, ‘Manska’ pubescent wheatgrass, ‘Oahe’ intermediate wheatgrass, ‘Rush’ intermediate wheatgrass, ‘Dacotah’ switchgrass, ‘Forestberg’ switchgrass, 9005308 mountain brome, ‘Regar’ meadow brome, ‘Redondo’ Arizona fescue, ‘Whitmar’ beardless wheatgrass, ‘Goldar’ bluebunch wheatgrass, M-1 Nevada bluegrass, ‘Killdeer’ sideoats grama, ‘Pierre’ sideoats grama, and ‘Pryor’ slender wheatgrass. An evaluation of several species for seeding road systems was also conducted as part of this FEP. Road surface, cut and fill slopes were seeded with ‘Luna’ pubescent wheatgrass, ‘Covar’ sheep fescue, ‘Durar’ hard fescue, ‘Critana’ thickspike wheatgrass, ‘Sodar’ streambank wheatgrass, and ‘Rosana’ western wheatgrass. All plots were monitored for plant adaptation, percent canopy cover (seeded), forage production and tree seedling regeneration over ten years, Tables 1 to 8.

The results showed that the top four performers in stand establishment, plant vigor, forage production and percent canopy cover were: Rush intermediate wheatgrass, Manska pubescent wheatgrass, Oahe intermediate wheatgrass and Paiute orchardgrass, Tables 1 to 5. The top three performers for seeding in road systems based on stand establishment and plant vigor were: Covar sheep fescue, Luna pubescent wheatgrass and Rosana western wheatgrass, Tables 7 and 8.

There was a slight reduction in the number of ponderosa pine seedling regenerating in the overall seeded plots versus the control (unseeded) plots. Of special note is that the tree seedling numbers were greater for the most successful group (Paiute, Manska, Oahe, Rush) than for the other seeded species group, Table 6.

Results

The results from this observational trial showed that a variety of grasses can be successfully established and manage in southeastern Montana forestlands. Producers will be able to make more informed decisions about what herbaceous species to seed on disturbed forestland sites based on their management goals and objectives.

The following tables show the results from the data that was collected over the ten year period:

• Table 1. Stand
• Table 2. Vigor
• Table 3. Yield Pounds per Acre
• Table 4. Yield Kilograms per Hectare
• Table 5. Percent Canopy Cover (Seeded)
• Table 6. Tree Seedlings per Acre
• Tables 7 and 8. Ratings for Road System Segments

Recommendations

• The top four cultivars in terms of stand establishment, plant vigor, forage production and percent canopy cover were: Rush intermediate wheatgrass, Manska pubescent wheatgrass, Oahe intermediate wheatgrass and Paiute orchardgrass. However, at the last monitoring period cover and production of Paiute had declined from previous years.
• Forage production was significantly greater (1.5 to almost 2 times) in the top four cultivars when compared to the natural control plots.
• Dormant fall seeding following a disturbance provides the best seedbed conditions for seed/soil contact.
• The most successful cultivars were valuable in reducing erosion, particularly in the year immediately after disturbance.
• The top three cultivars for seeding in road systems based on stand establishment and plant vigor were: Covar sheep fescue, Luna pubescent wheatgrass and Rosana western wheatgrass.
• Ponderosa pine seedling regeneration was slightly reduced in the overall seeded plots versus the control (unseeded) plots. Tree seedling numbers were greater for the most successful group (Paiute, Manska, Oahe, Rush) than for the other seeded species group.
• The amount of site scarification had a direct effect on some of the species ability to establish. Not all sites received the same amount of site scarification. The lightly burned and/or non-scarified areas did not remove enough of the litter and duff layer to expose mineral soil and prepare an adequate seed bed.
• Don’t base stand establishment off first year evaluation. Many of the species are slow to establish on non-irrigated sites.

Where to Get Help

For more information, contact the local office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, or your local Soil and Water Conservation District.

If you have any questions regarding this technical note, please contact one of the following:

Robert Logar, State Forester
Phone: (406) 587-6836
Email: Robert.Logar

Jim Jacobs, Plant Materials Specialist
Phone: (406) 587-6995
Email: Jim.Jacobs

Ronald Nadwornick, State Resource Conservationist
Phone: (406) 587-6998
Email: Ron.Nadwornick

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Last Modified: 08/18/2008