Using Blue Grama Sod for Range Revegetation

Abstract

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is often difficult to establish by direct seeding, but in many cases it can be established on some critical areas by sodding. Best results were obtained by: (1) transplanting the sod early in the season (May or June), (2) cutting the sod about 5 cm thick and keeping it flat in transit, (3) pre-wetting the sod before cutting if the soil was not already wet, and (4) irrigating the sod immediately after laying and preferably an additional two times during the following week. Establishment depended mainly on development of new adventitious roots which were produced only on recently developed tillers. Sod transplanted in May and June produced the most new adventitious roots; sod transplanted in June and July had the greatest rate of adventitious root elongation; and sod transplanted in June produced the greatest total length of new adventitious roots per sample.