The declining sagebrush (Artemisia�spp.) biome has long been a subject of much interest among ecologists and other rangeland professionals. Many efforts have been made to restore Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata�Nutt. ssp.�wyomingensis) on degraded rangelands, but due to its poor germinability and the difficulty of seed delivery, few attempts have been very successful or cost effective. The difficulty in seeding sagebrush is a direct function of the seed composition. Sagebrush seed lots are typically low in purity and can contain anywhere from 70-90% non-seed parts (i.e. achenes, seed bracts, leaves and fine stems). In order to combat the problems of small seed size, seed box bridging, aerial drift, and poor germination we have developed a new seed coating technique that increases relative �seed size� and density, improves seed flowability and enhances seed germination. We will present preliminary research associated with the development of this patent pending technology and discuss its potential benefits for improving rangeland seeding success.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.