Soil Texture and Planting Depth Influence Buffelgrass Emergence

Abstract

Seedling emergence and vigor of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), an introduced species with widespread adaptability for revegetation in South Texas, were regulated by soil texture and planting depth. Seedling establishment rate generally was highest from surface plantings and decreased with increasing planting depth to 24 mm. Percentage emergence was lower in clay than in clay loam or sandy clay loam. Based on total emergence and seedling vigor, optimum planting depths in clay loam and sandy clay loam soils were 6 to 12 mm. In clay soil, the optimum depth was 6 mm. The probability of successful seedings may be increased by considering the specific planting requirements of buffelgrass based on soil characteristics rather than a generalized depth disregarding edaphic factors.