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DIRECT SEEDING
Seeding has several advantages. The seed can be
broadcast, so the area will have a more natural
appearance. More trees per acre can be established
with seed, so the site will be captured by tree growth
sooner. This minimizes the amount of mowing and
herbicide that is needed for maintenance.
Seed Collection and Handling Species like black walnut,
white oak, northern red oak, ash, and maple drop their
seed in the fall and should be collected immediately
after seed drop. Walnuts can be sewn with their husks
on. If they are husked, keep the nuts moist or they will
loose their viability. Large piles of green walnuts will
heat up. Therefore, keep the piles relatively small to
help dissipate any heat. Acorns lose their viability if
they become dehydrated. Therefore, collect the acorns in
bags soon after they fall off the trees. One standard
feed bag will hold approximately two bushels. Feed bags
will allow the seed to breathe and permit excess
moisture to drain out. Immediately after collection,
immerse the acorns in water for 24 hours, then place the
soaked acorns in a cool, dark place until planting.
Immersion re-hydrates the seed for better germination.
Ash and maple seed should be air-dried (with no heat) and stored in a cool place until sewn.
Site Preparation
Mow the area to be sewn in August and broadcast-spray
Round-Upª in September to kill any grass. After the
grass has died, plow and disk the area to prepare a good
seed bed. The field should look ready to plant corn.
Seeding Rates
The following amounts are recommended for green,
uncleaned seeds - collected from the ground or directly
off the tree.
Species Bushels/Acre
Green or White Ash 1
Northern Red Oak 2
White Oak 2
Black Walnut 10
Seeding Steps
The following steps are suggested:
1. Broadcast the walnut and oak seed over the entire
area. Disk the seed into the ground so that the majority
is buried 1 inch deep.
2. Broadcast the ash seed and lightly harrow the area.
Ash seed should be buried approximately 1/4 inch deep.
3. Roll the entire field with a cultipacker so that all
of the seed is firmly packed in.
4. Next spring, before any green growth appears,
broadcast spray the area with Pendulum herbicide.
Apply 2 quarts of Pendulum per acre. The following
spring apply 3 quarts of Pendulum plus 2 quarts of
Princep-4L per acre. The Princep will help to control
the broadleaf weeds.
5. If broadleaf weeds become a problem during the first
year, mow the area high, so that you are mowing above
seedling height.
Additional Information
Further information can be obtained from your
IDNR
district forester or from the Direct Seeding website. |
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