Broadcast seeding involves a system which can be mounted to a wheelbarrow, ATV, or tractor (or delivered by hand), that spins or drops seeds on the ground directly. It is an appropriate method in situations where large areas need seeding (i.e. industrial reclamation) and the soil is too rocky, the site unprepared, or the terrain too steep/uneven to use drill seed or hydroseed equipment. Uniformity of seeding can be enhanced when a bulking agent is mixed with the seed. This can include things like kitty litter, sterile heavy seeds, or rice hulls [1]. Enhancing seed to soil contact after seeding (by using a cultipacker or even a piece of cardboard that can be stepped on in seeded areas) tends to increase germination success. Generally, broadcast seeding requires a higher seeding rate (typically, double) compared to other seeding approaches to achieve equal establishment success.
Resources
- Guide to Broadcast Seed Sowing
- How to Sow Wildflower Seeds
- Seed establishment techniques and seeding specifications
- Comparing Three Common Seeding Techniques for Pipeline Vegetation Restoration: A Case Study in South Texas
- Calibrating Drills and Broadcast Planters for Small-Seeded Forages
- Seeding the Way: A Guide to Restoring Native Plants in Great Salt Lake Wetlands | USU Extension
- Seeding Big Sagebrush in Utah
- Seeding Big Sagebrush Successfully on Intermountain Rangelands
- Restoring Native Plants to Navajo Nation Lands Handbook
- Seeding Your Site: Methods, Rates and More!
- Seed use in the field: delivering seeds for restoration success | Shaw et al 2020 | Restoration Ecology
References
[1] Meyer SE. Artemisia L.: sagebrush. In: Bonner FT, Karrfalt RP, editors. The woody plant seed manual. Agricultural Handbook No. 727. Washington (DC): US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; 2008. p. 525–527. https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_series/wo/wo_ah727.pdf