Establishing Native Forbs

Transcription

1 Establishing Native Forbs

2 Native forbs are broadleaf plants native to Missouri s natural communities. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, and provided critical food and shelter for many wildlife species. There have been over 800 species of native plants, most of them forbs, found in MO prairies.

3 Things to consider: What to plant species and amount When to plant dormant season preferred How to plant broadcast or drill

4 A good rule of thumb is to plant 3#-5# Pure Live Seed (PLS)/acre, at least 10 species, with no single species exceeding 10% of the mix, and that annual/biennials combined account for no more than 10% of the mix. This ensures that your planting will be dominated by perennials that will persist over time, and that they are abundant enough to provide significant benefits. Don t forget that you need native grasses with the forbs!

5 What are your main objectives? Color Wildlife value What are your site conditions? Dry or wet? Deep or shallow soil?

6 Key is to eliminate/reduce competing vegetation. Prepare seedbed to ensure good seed/soil contact. Goal is to get to at least 50% bare ground. In general, fertilizer is not needed, especially N. It is a good idea to bring lime up to soil test.

7 Using a clean-tilled seedbed is perhaps the best way to establish native forbs. Be certain that the seedbed is firm if you sink in when walking it needs to be rolled prior to seeding. If mechanical tillage isn t an option, be certain that competing vegetation is adequately controlled. If using herbicides, follow all label directions. Use proper timing and/or herbicide products to limit negative impacts on forbs.

8 If planting into row crop stubble: Ensure residue levels will not limit seed/soil contact Check herbicide history some common crop herbicides have residual negative impacts on forbs. If planting into undesirable grasses/fallow fields: Two or more herbicide treatments may be necessary. If spraying more than once, best to use a spring application followed by a fall treatment. Additional treatment may be needed to get adequate bare ground.

9 If planting into desirable existing native grasses: It will be important to set the grass back. A late summer/fall burn is suggested. Haying in late summer, followed by a herbicide application (such as glyphosate) can also be used. Remember that it is important to reduce competition for the young forb seedlings, plan on mowing multiple times the establishment year!

10 Dormant seeding is the only acceptable option! Many forb species require days of cold, moist stratification. Best months to plant are December and January. If planting both native grasses and forbs, its best to plant at the same time.

11 In areas with heavy tall fescue competition, consider using imazapic and varying the time of planting. A second option might be to delay the seeding for a year and plant a row crop to eliminate undesirable vegetation.

12 Varies depending on the site. Broadcasting, either by hand or with equipment, can be very effective. Requires at least 50% bare ground. Need to roll the field after seeding with a cultipacker (teeth up). May be the best option for small sites. May require the use of an inert carrier, such as cat litter, to get even distribution.

13 Forb seed varies greatly in size and shape. Will require special attention to ensure even distribution. Some types of forb seed doesn t throw well, take small swaths to ensure even distribution.

14 You can also mix with lime or potash and spread with a fertilizer buggy. DO NOT harrow or disk after broadcasting it will bury the seed too deeply. Using a good drill is the best method. Make certain you can control the depth it places the seed. May require the use of a carrier to ensure proper flow out of the drill. However you plant, you MUST see seed on top of the ground when complete, or you planted too deep.

15 Management is critical to success! Plan to mow multiple times during the first year to control competing vegetation. Research shows mowing as needed during the first growing season increased survival and abundance of new forb seedlings. A flail-type mower is preferred.

16 Mowing should also be used the 2 nd growing season if vegetation is out-competing the forb seedlings. Mowing the 2 nd year should be completed between March 15 to May 1 st, or be certain to mow above the height of the forb seedlings. Mow, clip or use approved herbicides to control noxious weeds and undesirable plants.

17 Once established, the use of management practices is essential to maintain the forb community. Prescribed burning should be conducted no earlier than the beginning of the 2 nd growing season, and usually no earlier than the end of the 3 rd growing season. Develop a burn plan before burning. Control undesirable woody & invasive perennial plants-either by spot herbicide or proper timing of a burn.

18 Quick reference chart for selected prescribed burning activities. Green shading indicates cool-season grass activity. Tan shading indicates warm-season grass activity. Management Objective Jan Feb- Mar Stimulate cool-season grass Seedbed preparation for legumes Stimulate germination of legumes Set back cool-season grasses April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov- Dec Stimulate legumes and forbs in warm-season grass (WSG) stands Seedbed preparation for interseeding legumes or forbs into WSG stands Thicken poor stands of native grass Control woody invasion Stimulate native forb growth in WSG Set back WSG dominance

19 Books: Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers, by Doug Ladd & Frank Oberle. Steyermark s Flora of Missouri, revised edition, by George Yatskievych. Websites: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri s Grow Native!, Missouri Native Seed Association, USDA PLANTS database, Native Forb Information Sheet, found at