Factors Affecting Germination, Emergence and Establishment of Sand Bluestem

Abstract

Response of sand bluestem seed units (florets) to three rates of cotton-bur mulch and treatment with an organic mercury pathogenicide was measured by germination, emergence and establishment. All rates of cotton-bur mulch improved soil moisture conditions, but heavier rates formed a physical barrier to the emergence of grass seedlings. More than three times as many plants became established from florets treated with a pathogenicide than from untreated florets.