Range Seedings

Proper management of range seedings depends first upon deferment of grazing until the stand is fully established and then stocking it at proper levels during the season of use best adapted to the seeded species. Native species often exhibit delayed germination and seed dormancy, and when this is coupled with fluctuating weather conditions during the establishment period deferred grazing for two or three complete growing seasons is usually necessary. On National Forest ranges there usually is a required three years deferment for protection of any areas plowed and seeded. Exceptions are made if the project is included in a management system providing later rest and/or deferment. Range interseeding or other practices, which do not completely destroy the pre-existing cover, may be ready for grazing at the end of the second growing season. Deferment or light use during this critical period is essential to stand establishment since it allows seedlings to become vigorous mature plants. Grazing may be controlled by fencing; when fencing is impossible management of seedings becomes considerably more difficult.

In planning grazing management for re-seeded ranges we must recognize these lands have, in most cases, been re-planted because the original native vegetation was destroyed through improper grazing practices. It is important suitable management practices be developed that prevent depletion of the re-seeded forage stand.

The management of re-seeded ranges differs in one respect from other range lands. The objective is to maintain the seeded species and discourage natural plant succession that would bring an increase of less desirable native species. On native ranges the objective of management is to encourage increase of the more desirable native species through natural succession. In other respects, the basic principles of good grazing management are equally applicable. Conservative stocking use promotes sustained high yield of forage stands as well as high animal productivity, lower maintenance costs and animal death losses, and usually higher net income.

Grazing must be controlled to obtain proper use of the established stand. Also, many seeded areas may support remnants of native vegetation on non-seeded areas of rough topography. The native range areas or invader species in the stand may be only lightly used when the seeded species are fully grazed. In such case management must be based on the seeded species alone. In some situations the seeded species becomes less palatable as the season progresses and the use shifts to the native vegetation. It is extremely difficult to balance and manage rangeland for dual use.

The optimum season of use for seeded stands depends on the species planted. Introduced species are usually planted in pure stands and fenced for controlled use during a specific season which best fits their growth and development, nutritional value, and palatability. On the other hand, seedings of native species often are tolerant of season-long grazing if not stocked too heavily. However, native seedings have also been deferred for use at specific seasons with considerable success.

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007