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ISSUE 2 |
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WINTER 1991 |
1991 PLANTING VISITED
Obviously I haven't been able to view all new plantings in all areas, but I have seen a number of them in several areas throughout the Midwest. Generally speaking, the Midwest was drought stricken during the summer of 1991. In my area of west central Missouri we had a wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer. This fall we have had a normal to slightly wet season and are still 7.5
inches behind precipitation for the year. All in all, a poor year for establishment. Native grasses are drought tolerant but not drought proof. Additionally, drought tolerance is in reference to established plants, not newly germinated seeds. Deep root systems are native grasses' defense to drought and obviously newly germinated seeds have not developed those roots. Although I don't have nay factual proof, I believe this is one reason for the dormancy commonly associated with native seeds. Dormant seeds will still be viable during more favorable moisture conditions in following years.
I saw some stands in which I was very impressed with the establishment considering the weather conditions, and others which were disappointing. It appeared that the dry weather had helped some more that hurt them. In those instances I feel the drought helped to inhibit the annual grass and weed competition. No need to worry about them.
Patience is the virtue constantly preached by those of us involved in native grass establishment and after looking at those disappointing stands, have patience. What initially appeared to be weed patches, upon further inspection, had reasonable grass establishment. One can seldom judge the success of a new planting standing up. More often than not you will have to get down on your knees and part the weeds to see plants. Drilling makes plants much easier to find than broadcasting. Once you locate a drill row it is easier to find other plants.
One plant every foot is considered a success, and depending upon the use, one every two or three feet would be acceptable. Remember there are dormant seeds which have not germinated and these are sod forming bunch grasses. What starts as one single stem grows into a bunch and the clumps, over time, will grow together.
Burning is the most common recommended management practice. Although not always, burning the first spring could do more harm than good. I am particularly concerned this year due to the drought. Burning has a significant effect on the soil moisture. Unless you receive an adequate recharge of moisture the stress could be more than the new seedlings can handle. Generally speaking, I do not recommend burning this coming spring.
The recommendations I have for this year's plantings are: 1) have patience; 2) have patience; 3) have patience. I would never write off a planting in the fall of the establishment year and very seldom the following spring. Most of the time I will make my decision in the fall, 18 months after planting. With some experience you will be able to look at a new planting and visualize what it will look like two or three years down the road, Until then, have patience.
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