Comparison of Seed Bed Preparation Methods on Seedling Emergence Rate in Six Range Species in Khash Rangelands of Iran
Authors
- A. A. Ameri 1, 2
- A. A. Sanadgol 3
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the methods of seed bed
preparation in rangelands of Khash region in Sistan and Baluchestan province in
Iran. A split plot design was conducted based on Randomized complete block
design with three replications in 1999. Five seed bed preparation methods were
used as main plot as: 1) Seed sown by passing livestock. 2) Seed sown machinery.
3) Seeds sown as drilled into furrows. 4) Seeds sowing into furrows covered by
straw mulch .5) Seed sown machinery and pressed by roller. Six range species
were used as: 1) Artemisia santolina, 2) Eurotia ceratoides, 3) Zygophyllum
eurypterum, 4) Astragalus squarrosus, 5) Stipagrostis sp. and 6) Artemisia sieberi
, as sub-plot. The results of experiment showed significant differences among the
seed bed preparation methods on seedling emergence rate. Astragalus and Eurotia
had higher germination percent when they sown and passing through livestock.
Zygophyllum and Eurotia had higher germination by machinery seeder followed
by roller. The lowest germination percent was obtained by method of seed sowing
in furrows covered by straw mulch and seeds were sown machinery. Among the
species, Eurotia, Zygophyllum and Astragalus were ranked in the first order
followed by Artemisia. The Stipagrostis species. Had no germination for all of
seed bed treatments.
