Bitterbrush Seedling Establishment as Influenced by Soil Moisture and Soil Surface Temperature

Abstract

Bitterbrush seeds exposed to field conditions for 80 days following seed fall exhibited reduced viability. Exposure of seeds to dry heat for periods up to 15 consecutive hours in the laboratory did not reduce germination percentage until temperature exceeded 176 F. No evidence was found that high soil surface temperatures resulted in seedling mortality. Seedling survival and growth were significantly affected by both artificial watering and slope exposure.