Brush Eradicating, Basin Pitting, and Seeding Machine for Arid to Semiarid Rangeland

Abstract

A range seeding machine that increased the chances of successful seedling establishment on arid to semiarid rangeland has been designed and tested on 23 plots in southern New Mexico. Working behind a standard rootplow, the machine picks up brush, forms basin pits, firms the soil, plants seed, and replaces the brush over the planted area as a mulch. Laboratory and field research was used to demonstrate improved soil conditions for seedling emergence under such a brush mulch. Water retention by basin pits was found to be necessary to decrease runoff of the high intensity, short duration storms typical to this area. About 50% of the plots planted with this equipment were successfully seeded.