We have started working this flexibility into project plans so we have a clear approach regardless of the seeding date. (Dan Shaw, BWSR) As a result, flexibility in installation dates has been needed for several projects. This sequence has worked well for most of our projects as long as flooding or flowing water have not been a problem with moving seed around in the spring.Ī variety of factors have caused our wetland restoration project vegetation establishment to get off schedule including extreme weather, permitting and easement timelines, and construction contractor availability and timelines. In most cased wetlands are seeded in the fall after construction is completed to allow seed to be naturally stratified over winter and avoid problems with accessing wet sites in the spring. Project Sequencing: For all wetland bank plans developed in Minnesota a full schedule of “expected” restoration activities including site preparation activities, construction, planting and management is required to be in restoration plans. If the soil surface is not tilled we sometimes roll sites following broadcast seeding, particularly if the soil surface is smooth to help prevent the tiny seed from blowing away. (Dan Shaw, BWSR) If the soil surface is relatively loose and soils do not need additional drying then additional tilling may not be needed and may only increase weed growth. The exception is native grasses and some forbs with larger seed that benefit from being a little deeper in the soil (around 1/8 to ¼ inch) but for the native cool-season grasses we’ve found that this isn’t essential, they mainly need good seed to soil contact. of soil can prevent germination of some species). If any tilling is done it will be important to allow the soil to settle somewhat (rainfall would be beneficial) before seeding so that the tiny wetland seed is not buried too deep (around. Many projects are planted following soybeans. Final Seedbed Preparation: Final seedbed preparation is a topic that needs more discussion in restoration as it is an important step that often gets overlooked.
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