Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), a North American native, and forage kochia (Bassia prostrata), 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 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 precipitation on a 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 precipitation on crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) pastures. Each site was divided into three replications to allow statistical evaluation using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Each replication was divided into four randomly arranged seedbed treatments; no treatment, harrow, disk, and disk and roll. The establishment of winterfat and forage kochia was measured by counting the number of seedlings within ten 4.8 square foot hoops placed every three paces through the plot. Establishment of both species was poor on the no seedbed and harrow treatments, improved slightly on the disked plots, and significantly improved where the seedbed was disked-seeded- and rolled. The results demonstrate the importance of good seed/soil contact for the establishment of conservation seeding�s. 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 summer/fall/winter forage quality on sites dominated by cheatgrass or crested wheatgrass. Winterfat densities in the disk-and-roll treatments were statistically greater than the densities of forage kochia, but the frequency was not statistically different. This suggests winterfat and forage kochia can be introduced into pasture/range sites when broadcast on a disked seedbed, and that rolling after seeding will improve establishment.
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