Improving Seeding Success on Cheatgrass- Infested Rangelands in Northern Nevada

Item Type Article; text

Authors Clements, C. D.; Harmon, D. N.; Blank, R. R.; Weltz, M.

Citation Clements, C. D., Harmon, D. N., Blank, R. R., & Weltz, M. (2017). Improving Seeding Success on Cheatgrass-Infested Rangelands in Northern Nevada. Rangelands, 39(6), 174-181.

DOI 10.1016/j.rala.2017.10.003

Publisher Society for Range Management

Journal Rangelands

Rights Copyright © Society for Range Management.

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Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/657853 Improving Seeding Success on Cheatgrass-Infested Rangelands in Northern Nevada By Charlie D. Clements, Daniel N. Harmon, Robert R. Blank, and Mark Weltz

On the Ground nvasion of alien plant species influences many phases of wildland research in the Great Basin.1 The accidental • Cheatgrass has transformed secondary succes- I introduction and subsequent invasion of cheatgrass (Bromus sion in arid sagebrush plant communities in the tectorum L.) onto millions of hectares of Great Basin Great Basin by providing a fine-textured, early rangelands has led to the conversion of former big sagebrush maturing fuel that increases the chance, rate, (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.)/bunchgrass communities to cheatgrass spread, and season of wildfires. dominance (Fig. 1). Native to Europe, central Asia, and northern • The best known method to suppress cheatgrass Africa, cheatgrass was accidentally introduced to North America, densities and associated fuels is through the where it was first identified in Pennsylvania around 1861 and establishment of perennial grasses. believed to be in contaminated wheat.2,3 It was not identified in • Crested wheatgrass plots seeded the first fall northern Nevada until 1902,3,4 where it spread rapidly throughout following the wildfire (2006) averaged an establish- big sagebrush rangelands. Cheatgrass has transformed secondary ment of 9.6 plants/m2 compared with plots seeded succession in more arid big sagebrush plant communities the second fall at 3.9 plants/m2. Native perennial throughout the Great Basin by providing a fine-textured, early species bluegrass and squirreltail experienced high maturing fuel that increases the chance, rate, spread, and season of failure rates. wildfires.5 Whisenant6 estimated the presence of cheatgrass has • Over the 2-year study, un-disced cheatgrass plots reduced the interval between wildfires on the Snake River Plains averaged more than 1,350 cheatgrass seeds/m2, from the previously reported 60 to 110 years to 5 years. Aldo while plots receiving our April/May discing application Leopold7 recognized more than a half century ago how impossible averaged fewer than 250 cheatgrass seeds/m2,an it is to protect wildlife habitat from wildfire because of the presence 82% reduction in cheatgrass seed bank densities, which of cheatgrass. This invasive annual grass truncates secondary significantly improved seeded species establishment. succession by largely inhibiting the establishment of perennial • The use of soil-active herbicides, Imazapic (Plateau) and seedlings through competition for moisture.8,9 It is extremely Sulfometuron methyl (Landmark), reduced first-year challenging for resource managers and landowners to restore or cheatgrass densities by 95.6% and 98.7%, respective- rehabilitate cheatgrass-infested rangelands. The best known ly. This level of cheatgrass reduction drastically improved method to suppress cheatgrass densities and associated fuels is – seeded species success. through the establishment of perennial grasses.3,10 12 In this paper, • The establishment of perennial grasses reduced we will describe our experiences in establishing perennial grasses aboveground cheatgrass densities by more than 93%, and shrubs on cheatgrass-infested rangelands with the ultimate goal thus reducing the chance of reoccurring wildfires and of reducing cheatgrass densities and associated fuels and wildfire improving the chance that critical browse species can risks in an effort to allow succession to take place and improve return to the site and improve wildlife resources. grazing and wildlife resources. One of the reasons cheatgrass is so competitive is that it Keywords: seeding, weed control, suppression, produces many more seeds than are needed to sustain the fuels management. population while also exhibiting the ability to acquire seed Rangelands 39(6): 174—181 dormancy and build persistent seed banks. Even though doi 10.1016/j.rala.2017.10.003 cheatgrass germinates at a wide range of constant and © 2017 The Society for Range Management. alternating temperatures, persistent cheatgrass seed banks

174 Rangelands Figure 1. Former big sagebrush/bunchgrass rangeland converted to cheatgrass dominance. This conversion is devastating to wildlife and grazing resources. are produced through this species’ ability to acquire seed In 2006, we set up an experiment to test whether the dormancy.3 When a fire burns through a habitat that has a occurrence of a wildfire/burning in a big sagebrush commu- significant density of big sagebrush, the fire burns hot enough nity would in fact open a window for the successful for a long enough period of time to burn the majority of establishment of perennial grasses and other seeded species. cheatgrass seed on the soil and in the seed bank (Fig. 2), In August 2006, a wildfire burned a xeric Wyoming big whereas fires burning in the absence of big sagebrush with an sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & increased presence of cheatgrass simply burn too fast to cause Young) community approximately 128 km north of Reno, any significant seed mortality.3 NV. The site was dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush with

Figure 2. Typical post-fire landscape. The dark circles outline sagebrush plants that burned hotter and longer, thereby killing cheatgrass seed. This fire burned hot enough for a long enough period of time to open the window for a fall drill seeding of perennial grasses and other desirable species.

December 2017 175 an understory of cheatgrass and sparse presence of squirrel- is largely due to an increase in cheatgrass competition at the tail (Elymus elymoides [RAF.] Swezey), Indian ricegrass seedling stage. The establishment of the perennial grass, (Achnatherum hymenoides [Roemer & Schultes] Barkworth), and ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass, successfully suppressed cheat- bluegrass (Poa secunda J. S. Presl). The site averages 170 to 230 grass from 213.5 cheatgrass/m2 in the control plots down to mm of annual precipitation, primarily during the winter months. 16.2 cheatgrass/m2 in the crested wheatgrass plots (Fig. 3). It Wesetuptwenty-four10×60mplots,whichreceived is critically important to actively manage successful seedings of seeding treatments using species present on the site prior to the perennial grasses because any loss of perennial grasses due to wildfire, as well as commonly used rehabilitation species and drought, improper grazing, and so forth will open the window rates and no-seeding treatments: 1) ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass to future cheatgrass dominance; both our 2006 and 2007 (Agropyron cristatum L.) at 8 kg/ha, 253 seeds/m2;2)Sherman seeded plots averaged more than 1,600 seeds/m2 in the seed big bluegrass (Poa ampla [Scribner]) at 2.4 kg/ha, 300 seeds/m2; bank by 2010, far more than what is needed to convert the site 3) Bottlebrush squirreltail at 8 kg/ha, 225 seeds/m2; 4) a mix of to annual grass dominance. ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass at 4.6 kg/ha, 153 seeds/m2, The use of mechanical equipment to disc/plow and fallow Sherman big bluegrass at 1.1 kg/ha, 144 seeds/m2, for weed control has been around for a long time and has been 14 squirreltail at 2.3 kg/ha, 63 seeds/m2, Indian ricegrass at suggested as a methodology to establish perennial grasses. 1.1kg/ha,27seeds/m2, ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia (Bassia When it is too dangerous to apply rangeland herbicides, such prostrata L.) at 0.6 kg/ha, 50 seeds/m2, Wyoming big as around croplands, the use of the disc and fallow method can sagebrush at 0.3 kg/ha, 105 seeds/m2,and‘Ladak’ alfalfa be very effective at reducing cheatgrass densities. Virtually all (Medicago sativa L.) at 0.3 kg/ha, 12 seeds/m2; and 5) control of the cheatgrass seed bank is at or near the soil surface; (no-seeding). We set up additional plots to be seeded 1 year therefore, discing/plowing completely turns over the seedbed 15 after the fire. Plots were replicated three times (four treatments and buries the seed too deep for future emergence. The × three replications × 2 years = 24 plots). Using a half-sized objective of this method is to disc the site before cheatgrass rangeland drill (Model RM27FB, P&F Services, Kemmer, seed ripening (late April/early May), killing the current year’s WY), we seeded the first year in October 2006, and second year cheatgrass stand and burying the remaining cheatgrass seed plots were seeded in October 2007. We collected seed bank bank densities, which reduces cheatgrass germination the samples13 from each plot prior to seeding and then recorded following fall and spring. The ability to significantly reduce aboveground densities and seed bank densities every April (after cheatgrass seed bank densities decreases the competition for emergence) and August (after seed ripening) for 3 consecutive limited resources needed by seedlings of the selected seeded years. We monitored and recorded seedling emergence, species to be established on specific sites. As little as 36 2 mortality, and establishment monthly in April through cheatgrass seeds/m can successfully outcompete perennial September for 2 years after seeding. seedlings such as crested wheatgrass and bluebunch wheat- In April/May 2007, initial emergence of species seeded in grass (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh])16; therefore, the disc the fall of 2006 was impressive with the lack of cheatgrass and fallow method must have a high level of effectiveness if emergence, with 14.4 cheatgrass/m2 following the wildfire, seeded species are going to have a chance at establishing. but as the summer months remained dry the perennial grass We investigated this application by discing two bluegrass and squirreltail plots started experiencing heavy cheatgrass-dominated sites, one north of Battle Mountain, mortality. The second-year seeding plots experienced much Nevada, in 1996 (Dunphy site) and one north of Winne- less initial emergence, which we believe is due to the increase mucca, Nevada, in 1999 (Orovada site). Discing performed in aboveground cheatgrass densities and competition for well in both 1996 and 1999. Combining the 2 years, limited resources, with 164.7 cheatgrass/m2, therefore result- un-disced cheatgrass plots averaged more than 1,350 ing in less seedling establishment. For example, the crested cheatgrass seeds/m2, while plots receiving our April/May discing wheatgrass plots seeded the first fall following the wildfire application averaged fewer than 250 cheatgrass seeds/m2,an82% averaged an establishment of 9.6 plants/m2 compared with reduction in cheatgrass seed bank densities. Each year we the 2007 seeded plots of 3.9 plants/m2.Shermanbig seeded in the first 2 weeks of October, using a half-sized bluegrass and bottlebrush squirreltail performed the best in rangeland drill at the Dunphy site and a Kincaid no-till drill the 2006 seeded plots, with 0.09 plants/m2 and 1.3 plants/ (Kincaid Model 70, Haven, KS) at the Orovada site, with 1) m2, respectively. The mix plots experienced the best overall ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass at 8 kg/ha, 253 seeds/m2;2) results with the establishment of 9.9 plants/m2, largely due to Sherman big bluegrass at 2.4 kg/ha, 300 seeds/m2;3)Snake the establishment of crested wheatgrass and ‘Immigrant’ River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis J.) at 8 kg/ha, 253 seeds/ forage kochia, with a little help from the other seeded species, m2; and 4) a mix of crested wheatgrass at 4 kg/ha, 127 seeds/m2, except for Wyoming big sagebrush, which did not establish. Snake River wheatgrass at 4 kg/ha, 127 seeds/m2, ‘Immigrant’ Seeding the first fall following the wildfire resulted in more forage kochia at 2.25 kg/ha, 225 seeds/m2, and Wyoming big seedling recruitment compared with seeding the second fall, sagebrush at 0.6 kg/ha, 210 seeds/m2. even though the site received only 145 mm of precipitation Initial seedling emergence in the spring of 1997 at Dunphy the first year compared with 235 mm the second year. Though was excellent, with more than 162 seedlings/m2 and a very low the second year received more than 60% more precipitation, aboveground cheatgrass density of fewer than 32 cheatgrass/m2. we assume that the decrease in perennial grass establishment Following 2 years of monitoring and recording this site, Snake

176 Rangelands Figure 3. Establishment of perennial grasses such as crested wheatgrass (left) and Sherman big bluegrass (right) significantly suppress cheatgrass and associated fuels. Notice the suppression ring around the perennials.

River wheatgrass became the dominant species with ‘Hycrest’ Sherman big bluegrass established at more than 9 plants/m2. crested wheatgrass, ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia, and Wyoming The establishment of perennial grasses at both locations big sagebrush all establishing on the plots. In fact, the reduced aboveground cheatgrass densities by more than 93%. establishment of all species was more than 8 plants/m2,and Herbicides are a very useful tool in rangeland restoration/ they still persist today (Fig. 4). Our Orovada site did not rehabilitation practices.17,18 The use of herbicides on range- experience the same results. Snake River wheatgrass, lands must be undertaken with caution. The improper use of ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia, and Wyoming big sagebrush all herbicides that work to control numerous weed species can be experienced failure, whereas ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass and eliminated from the toolbox if inappropriately applied. It is

Figure 4. Spring discing and fallow with a follow-up fall seeding. Notice the un-disced line on the left and the perennial grass establishment of Snake River wheatgrass and the active suppression of cheatgrass.

December 2017 177 very important to follow the label and understand the effect of 2.25 kg/ha, 52 seeds/m2, and winterfat (Krascheninnikovia these herbicides on the numerous soils, precipitation zones, lanata [Pursh]) at 2.25 kg/ha, 22 seeds/m2; 2) introduced: and adjacent vegetative species.3 Research on the use of Siberian wheatgrass (Agropyron fragile [Ross]) at 8 kg/ha, 238 soil-active herbicides to control cheatgrass and improve seeds/m2, ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia at 2.25 kg/ha, 225 seeds/ perennial grass establishment to suppress cheatgrass started m2; and 3) native/introduced mix: Siberian wheatgrass at 4 kg/ha, back in the 1960s.17 Because the best-known method of 119 seeds/m2,Sandberg’s bluegrass at 2.25 kg/ha, 315 seeds/m2, suppressing cheatgrass is through the establishment of Indian ricegrass at 2.25 kg/ha, 52 seeds/m2, winterfat at 1.2kg/ perennial grasses, we have been testing a number of ha, 11 seeds/m2,and‘Immigrant’ forage kochia at 1.2kg/ha, 112 soil-active herbicides for nearly 2 decades in an effort to seeds/m2. improve our knowledge of those soil-active herbicides Both herbicides were very effective through all replications that perform the best in arid cheatgrass-infested habitats where the Plateau-treated plots reduced cheatgrass densities where it is most difficult to establish perennial grasses. by 96.7%, while Landmark-treated plots experienced 98.4% During the late 1990s, we were investigating the use of the control (Fig. 5). The site received 155 mm of precipitation in soil-active herbicide OUST (Sulfometuron methyl) on 2012/2013, 142 mm in 2013/2014, and 224 mm in 2014/ cheatgrass-infested rangelands. OUST was excellent at 2015. Plots treated with the native mix experienced very high decreasing cheatgrass densities when applied in the fall, failure in both herbicide treatments over all replications with a fallowed for a year, and then seeded to perennial grasses. As combined establishment of 0.27 plants/m2, whereas the we investigated applying this herbicide at lower rates, John introduced mix experienced 16.2 plants/m2 in the Cantlon of Dupont Crop Protection informed us that the Landmark-treated plots and 10.8 plants/m2 in the herbicide was pulled from rangeland use due to an improper Plateau-treated plots. The native/introduced mix recorded application on recently burned, erodible soil, in which the 4.2 and 3.3 plants/m2 in the Landmark and Plateau plots, soil-active herbicide wind-eroded across the valley and caused respectively. millions of dollars in crop damage. When applying an The second site we tested, Crutcher, is located 120 km integrated weed control program to combat such species as northofReno,Nevada,inadegradedWyomingbig cheatgrass, resource managers cannot afford to lose such sagebrush community that also burned in 1999. The site is valuable tools. dominated by cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and annual Two of the more popular herbicides we use for cheatgrass wheatgrass (Eremopyrum triticeum [Gaertn] Nevski) on a control are Imazapic (Plateau) and Sulfometuron coarse clay-textured soil. The site averages 178 to 228 mm of methyl-Chlorsulfuron (Landmark XP). These pre-emergent annual precipitation. Using the same herbicide treatments, soil-active herbicides are not selective (J. Cantlon, Dupont plant materials (i.e., native, introduced, and native/introduced Crop Protection and G. Hopkins, Bayer Chemical, personal mixes, except we replaced winterfat with Wyoming big communication, October 2012) but can be very effective at sagebrush at 0.6kg/ha, 6 seeds/m2), and rates, we recorded controlling cheatgrass densities and opening a window to cheatgrass control during the fallow year at 95.6% in the successfully seeding perennial grasses and other desirable Plateau-treated plots and 98.7% in the Landmark plots (222 species during this limited time with lower cheatgrass cheatgrass/m2 down to 3.6 cheatgrass/m2). densities. Our recommendations are to apply these herbicides The native seed mix experienced very low establishment in early fall and then fallow the site for 1 year as the herbicides over the 2-year replicated plots, averaging 0.38 plants/m2, are active for about 12 to 15 months. This application is very while the introduced mix recorded an average of 7.3 plants/ effective and largely eliminates fall, winter, and spring m2 in the two herbicide plots, and the native/introduced mix emergence of cheatgrass. The following fall, the treated site averaged 3.2 plants/m2. The establishment of the perennial is seeded to competitive/desirable species in an effort to grass, Siberian wheatgrass, in these herbicide-treated plots reduce cheatgrass densities and fuels. reduced cheatgrass densities from 354 cheatgrass plants/m2 in We have tested these two herbicides at numerous locations the control plots to 7.2 cheatgrass plants/m2 in the treated throughout northern Nevada; however, here we focus on two plots, a 98% reduction (Fig. 6). The use of soil active sites. The first site, Antelope, is located approximately 240 km pre-emergent herbicides can be very effective at significantly east of Reno, Nevada, on an arid Wyoming big sagebrush reducing cheatgrass densities and allowing seeded species the habitat. The site burned in 1999 and is dominated by opportunity to emerge and establish in the absence of cheatgrass, Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.), and blue cheatgrass competition. mustard (Chorispora tinella [Pallus] DC.). In the fall of 2012, we applied Plateau at 420 g/ha and Landmark at 122.5 g/ha onto 24 × 60 m replicated plots using an ATV-mounted Discussion spray operation. The site was seeded again in the fall of 2013. An integrated approach of using natural events (wildfire), In the fall of 2013 and 2014, the treated plots were seeded mechanical, and chemical treatments allows resource man- using a Kincaid no-till drill. The soil is a silty loam in a 150 to agers and land owners the option to aggressively control and 200 mm annual precipitation zone. We seeded three mixes: 1) reduce cheatgrass densities and associated wildfire risks. With native: squirreltail at 8 kg/ha, 225 sees/m2, Sandberg’s each passing wildfire season, more and more critical habitats are bluegrass at 2.25 kg/ha, 315 seeds/m2, Indian ricegrass at burned, causing years of damage. This damage is often

178 Rangelands Figure 5. Herbicide plot treated with Landmark XP, successfully controlling cheatgrass throughout the fall, winter, and following spring months. This control is critical if seeded species are to be successfully established. irreversible for sensitive wildlife species and sustainable grazing managers and land owners with the daunting task of reducing resources (Fig. 1). Mule deer (Odocoilius hemoinus)aretheonly cheatgrass and associated fuels. Range improvement practices declining big game species in North America, and these wildfires that have focused on establishing perennial grasses, including continue to devastate transitional and winter ranges,5 as well as crested wheatgrass, have resulted in reducing wildfire risks and – critical sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitats. The top benefitting grazing and wildlife resources.5,11,20 25 two threats identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The results described indicate very low levels of success concerning declining sage-grouse populations are wildfires and using native species. This is not always the case, as we have invasive species.19 The fact that cheatgrass significantly increases experienced various levels of success with native species such the chance, rate, spread, and season of wildfire leaves resource as bluebunch wheatgrass, Sherman big bluegrass, and

Figure 6. The herbicide plot (left) resulted in the successful establishment of Siberian wheatgrass. The control (right) was also seeded. Without aggressive weed control practices, seedings are doomed for failure, and the site will return to cheatgrass dominance.

December 2017 179 Figure 7. The establishment of perennial grasses like bluebunch wheatgrass, Sherman big bluegrass, and crested wheatgrass suppress cheatgrass densities and stay green longer, which reduces the chance, rate, spread, and season of wildfire and allows succession to occur. antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata [Pursh] DC.). There 4. YOUNG, J.A., AND B.A. SPARKS. 1985. Cattle in the cold desert. is a long history in the Great Basin of seeding native perennial Reno & Las Vegas, NV: University of Nevada Press. p. 317. grasses that resulted in high failure rates, thus the increased 5. CLEMENTS, C.D., AND J.A. YOUNG. 1997. A viewpoint: Rangeland health and mule deer habitat. Journal of Range emphasis on using introduced species in rehabilitation 26–28 Management 60:129-138. efforts. Researchers continue to improve and enhance 6. WHISENANT,S.G.1989.ChangingfirefrequenciesonIdaho’sSnake 29–31 efforts to increase the success of seeding native species. River Plains: Ecological management implications. In: McArthur Even though seeding native species has experienced higher ED, Romney EM, Smith SD, & Tueller PT, editors. Proceedings- success on sites that have greater potential, such as higher Symposium On Cheatgrass Invasion, Shrub Die-Off, and other elevations and north-facing slopes,32 there is increasing Aspects of Shrub Biology and Management. Gen. Tech. Rep. 276. demand to identify and develop plant materials that can be Ogden, UT, USA: USDA, Forest Service. p. 4-10. 33–35 7. LEOPOLD, A.S. 1949. A Sand County Almanac. Gen. Tech. Rpt. successfully seeded on more arid rangelands. By RM-194. Fort Collins, CO, USA: USDA, Forest Service. New aggressively applying these integrated cheatgrass control and York, NY, USA: Oxford University Press. p. 260. seeding methodologies, the establishment of perennial grasses 8. ROBERTSON, J.H., AND C.K. PEARCE. 1945. Artificial reseeding can be achieved, thereby decreasing wildfire frequency and and closed communities. Northwest Science 19:58-66. allowing succession to take place. Succession allows for the 9. EVANS,R.A.,H.R.HOBO,R.E.ECKERT, AND J.A. YOUNG.1970. development of young shrub communities with a healthy Functional environment of downy brome communities in relation herbaceous component and adds edge effect to habitats, which to weed control and revegetation. Weed Science 18:154-162. 10. HIRONAKA, M., AND E.W. TISDALE. 1963. Secondary succession are beneficial to numerous wildlife species and improve the in annual vegetation in southern Idaho. Ecology 44:810-812. sustainability of grazing resources (Fig. 7). The ability of 11. YOUNG, J.A., AND C.D. CLEMENTS. 2007. Cheatgrass and resource managers and land owners to apply these techniques grazing rangelands. Rangelands 29:15-20. in rangeland restoration/rehabilitation efforts can vastly 12. DAVIES, K.W., A.M. NAFUS, AND R.L. SHELEY. 2010. Non- improve the future of degraded Great Basin rangelands. native competitive perennial grass impedes the spread of an invasive annual grass. Biological Invasions 12:3187-3194. 13. YOUNG, J.A., R.A. EVANS, AND R.E. ECKERT. 1968. Population References dynamics of downy brome. Weed Science 17:20-26. 14. HULL, A.C. 1944. The relation of grazing to establishment and vigor of crested wheatgrass. Agronomy Journal 36:358-360. 1. YOUNG, J.A., R.A. EVANS, AND J. MAJOR. 1972. Alien plants in 15. YOUNG, J.A., R.A. EVANS, AND R.E. ECKERT. 1968. Effects of tillage the Great Basin. Journal Range Management 25:194-201. operations on dispersal of downy brome caryopsis in the soil. 2. KLEMMEDSON, J.O., AND J.G. SMITH. 1964. Cheatgrass (Bromus Proceedings: Western Society of Weed Science. Boise, ID. p. 22. tectorum L.). The Botanical Review 30:226-262. 16. EVANS, R.A. 1961. The effects of different densities of downy 3. YOUNG, J.A., AND C.D. CLEMENTS. 2009. Cheatgrass: Fire and brome (Bromus tectorum) on growth and survival of crested forage on the range. Reno & Las Vegas, NV: University of wheatgrass (Agropryron desertorum) in the greenhouse. Weeds Nevada Press. p. 348. 9:216-223.

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