Recommended Seeding Rates (PLS) and Species Selection

1. Seeding rates will be calculated based on a Pure Live Seed (PLS) basis. Use tables in the Montana Plant Materials Technical Note Number 46, Seeding Rates and Recommended Cultivars to determine pounds of PLS required for a pure stand or full seeding.

2 .Seeding rates of plus or minus ten percent of the recommended rate (on a PLS basis) will be considered as meeting this standard.

3. Use Forage Suitability Group Descriptions and Ecological Site Descriptions located in the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), Section IIE, to assist in species selection and potential production estimates. Also reference Montana State University, Extension Service, Extension Bulletin 19, “Dryland Pastures in Montana and Wyoming” revised 2003, and Extension Bulletin 99 ”Irrigated Pastures in Montana and Wyoming” reprinted 1994.

4. Native grass mixtures generally consist of a variety of seed sizes, shapes, and textures that will result in a uniform flow through the seed box. Rice hulls or other carriers are usually only required for adequate flow through the drill box when small or light seed dictates carriers are needed. Fungicide recommendations must adhere to all manufacturer's label directions and precautions for treatment.

5. An agitator is very useful to assist in seed flow when seeding native grasses. In seed drills that do not have an agitator, watch for settling of the smaller and heavier species, or bridging of fluffy, or winged seeds (blue grama, big bluestem, sideoats grama) planted alone, or in high percentages (greater than 50 percent).

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007