Winkel et al measured seed burial and seedling emergence in plots exposed to mechanical seedbed preparation techniques (root plowing and ripping), prior to seed application and light or heavy cattle trampling (after seed application). Seeds were found at the greatest depths in plots exposed to heavy trampling, at intermediate depths in plots exposed to mechanical methods, and at shallow depths in plots exposed to light trampling. Seedling emergence was greater for seeds that were buried, as seeds that were left on undisturbed soil were washed away in summer thunderstorms. However, emergence of the species seeded in this experiment was not possible from soil depths greater than 14mm. Therefore, the authors recommend using very light soil disturbance to reduce seed loss and enhance seedling emergence in Arizona pastures.
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