Ohio - Natural Resources Conservation Service June 2003

For: / Farm #:
Field(s): / Tract #:
Designed By: / Approved By:
Signature:
Date: / Date:

Definition

Establishing woody plants by direct seeding.

Purposes (check all that apply)

Establish woody plants for forest products

Establish wood plants for wildlife habitat

Long-term erosion control and improvement of water quality.

Treat waste

Reduction of air pollution

Sequestration of carbon

Energy conservation

Enhance aesthetics.

Condition where practice applies

On any area where woody plants can be grown.

Specifications

Collecting and Storing Seed

If collecting seed, collection sites should be identified and scouted during mid to late summer to evaluate potential seed crop. Supplies and work or storage areas needed for collecting, bagging, floating, sorting and storing seeds should be ready by September. All seed should be inspected by performing a cut or crack test. Purchased seed should be inspected at the time of delivery; collected seed can be inspected during the sorting process. Use only seed that is filled, moist, normal colored and not destroyed by insects. Rehydrate acorns or other heavy seeds by soaking in cold water for 4 to24 hours. Other species are to be kept dry. If storing for a short period, keep the seeds cool (under 50oF), shaded, well ventilated and protected from predators. For long-term storage (over 2 weeks), place seed in sealed containers and store at 35-40oF. Heavy seeds are to be kept moist (but not wet) during storage.

Seed Source

Purchased

Collected from ______

Storage

If necessary, storage will be

Site Preparation

The planting site shall be prepared in a manner that will make planting easier, maximize seedling survivability and provide a good starting point for long-term landowner objectives. Any vegetation that would hinder planting or provide excessive competition to the seedlings should be controlled or removed. Site preparation shall be done in a manner which minimizes erosion. Row seedings must have vegetation controlled in a band at least 4 feet wide; for broadcast seedings, the entire area must be treated.

The following method of site preparation is planned:

Mechanical means such as plowing, discing or rototilling

Chemical control of vegetation

Hand scalping the area where trees are to be planted

Other: ______

Existing brush or trees may be maintained if the site is to be interplanted and the retained trees/shrubs will provide functions consistent with the planned use. For wildlife purposes, consider retaining some trees that will provide den sites or mast production while the new planting is becoming established. Undesirable trees that will hamper planting or provide excessive shade or competition should be removed or killed.

The following types of trees and shrubs will be maintained:

Prior to seeding, adequate protection from fire and livestock should be established.

Planting Dates

Seeds may be planted whenever the ground is not frozen and there is adequate moisture. Summer seeding should be avoided due to higher soil temperatures and reduced soil moisture.

Planned seeding dates

Planting Methods

Seed may be planted mechanically or by hand, in rows or broadcast. For row seedings of heavy-seaded species, seeds shall be planted at a depth equal to 2 times the seed diameter. For broadcast seedings, seed shall be covered with soil and cultipacked or rolled.

Planned seeding method:

Species and Planting Rates

For row plantings, a minimum of 3000 seeds per acre of heavy-seeded species will be planted. Broadcast seedings will have at least 4500 seeds per acre planted. Additional seeds will be planted to account for lack of a source of additional light-seeded species and/or expected predation. Consult the practice standard for guidance on these amounts. Seed spacing will be dependent on the amount of seed per acre desired and the planned row spacing. Information needed for these calculations can be found in Section IV of the FOTG, Appendix B – Tree/Shrub Recommendations.

For example, seed spacing needed to achieve 3000 seeds per acre is (43,560/3000)/row spacing.

Species to be Planted and Planting Rates

Species / Desired
Seeds per Acre / Pounds
Per Acre / Row Spacing / Seed Spacing
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
ft. / ft.
Total

Care after Planting

Watering and NutrientsTypically large plantings are not watered. Specialized plantings or severe drought may dictate the need for watering, if feasible. Periodic applications of nutrients may be needed to maintain plant vigor.

Weed Control Elimination of competing vegetation is normally carried out for one to five years after planting. Weed control may be the most important factor in tree and shrub seedling survival. Weed control may be accomplished through mulching, cultivation, mowing or herbicide usage. In all cases, the vegetation should be controlled in a band 12 to 18 inches along each side of the tree row or in a 2 to 3 foot diameter circle around each tree.Mechanical or hand cultivation should be kept at least 6 inches from the seedling and no deeper than 3 inches to avoid damage to the seedling. Additional methods may be needed to control weeds closer to the seedling. Mowing generally does not provide as good of control since the weeds are still competing for nutrients and water; also potential damage to seedlings is high. Mulching provides good control but may be impractical on large plantings. The use of herbicides usually provides good weed control.

Weed control shall me maintained by

Pest Management Plant injury or death should be controlled through preventative measures. Domestic animals that might graze on seedlings should be excluded. Control of weeds (which may hide rodents or rabbits), repellants or poisons, and hunting should be considered to reduce damage from wild animals. New plantings should be monitored for potential insect and disease problems and appropriate control measures taken if significant problems are found.

Pests shall be controlled by

Replanting Some plants will be lost over time to a variety of causes. The decision to re-plant for some or all of the losses will be based on whether or not the remaining trees and shrubs will likely provide the desired functions. At least 300 seedlings per acre (including desirable species from natural regeneration) should be present after three growing seasons.

Seedling survival Year 1 % Year 2 % Year 3 % stems/ac.

Map

An aerial view of the area to be planted can be shown below. Other relevant information, such as complimentary practices and adjacent tract or field conditions including existing woods may be included.

Field Specifics

Field(s) / Acres to be Planted / Species / Comments

Additional Specifications or Comments