Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), a North American native, and forage kochia (Bassia prostrate), native to Eurasia, share a similar ecological niche and serve similar conservation and nutritional functions. Our objective was to quantify the establishment of these two species broadcast onto four seedbed preparation treatments (1-none, 2-harrow, 3-disk, and 4-disk-seed-then-roll) at three sites in south central Montana. Site 1 was established in 2011 during above normal early season precipitation on a coral-side disturbed area with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) grading to native western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii)/needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata) range. Sites 2 and 3 were established in 2012 during below normal growing season precipitation on well-established crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) pastures. Each field planting site was first divided into three replications to allow statistical evaluation using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Each replication was equally divided into four randomly arranged seedbed treatments representing three levels of disturbance; no treatment, harrow, disk, and disk and roll. The establishment of winterfat and forage kochia were measured by pacing one random transect lengthwise in the middle of each plot and counting the number seedlings within ten 4.8 square foot hoops placed at approximately every three paces. Establishment of both species was poor to nil on the no seedbed and harrow treatments, was improved slightly on the disked plots, and significantly greater where the seedbed was disked-seeded- and rolled. The results demonstrate the importance of good seed to soil contact for the establishment of conservation seedings. If winterfat and forage kochia persist, disking followed by broadcast seeding and rolling seeds of these species and others with similar seed ecology (like big sagebrush-Artemisia tridentata) is a method to improve species diversity, wildlife habitat, and late season forage quality on sites dominated by cheatgrass or crested wheatgrass.
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