Seedbed and seeder options for old world bluestem establishment

Abstract

Seedbeds of graze-out wheatland and herbicide-killed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were evaluated as were use of a grass drill and the Woodward chaffy grass seeder for Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng) establishment. Seedings were made in 3 consecutive years in western Oklahoma. Steer grazing days on the seedbed treatments, seedling establishment, and second year grass herbage production were measured. Adequate stands were established in either seedbed. Economics favor the graze-out wheat seedbed treatment which produced an average of 189 steer grazing days ha-1 year-1. Adequate stands were established with either the grass drill or the Woodward seeder. Denser stands were usually established with the Woodward seeder—this was unexpected since it is a broadcast seeder. Results with the Woodward seeder are attributed to a requirement for very shallow planting of Old World bluestem and the protected environment of wheat drill furrows and wheat residue. Seedbeds of graze-out wheatland are recommended for Old World bluestem establishment in the Southern Plains.