Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Boise, Idaho » Northwest Watershed Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #272259
Title: Germination prediction from soil moisture and temperature in the Great Basin

Author
item CLINE, NATHAN - Brigham Young University
item ROUNDY, BRUCE - Brigham Young University
item Hardegree, Stuart

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/19/2011
Publication Date: 1/29/2012
Citation: Cline, N.L., Roundy, B.A., Hardegree, S.P. 2012. Germination prediction from soil moisture and temperature in the Great Basin. In: Abstracts of the 65th Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management, Spokane, WA, Jan 29-Feb 3, 2012 (CD-ROM Abstract).

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Preventing cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) dominance associated with frequent wildfires may depend on successful establishment of desirable species sown in rehabilitation and fuel control projects. Ranking potential species success to develop more performance-based species selection for revegetation of rangelands can be done with thermal germination models. Using previously-developed germination models, we compared predicted-thermal progress toward germination (or germination progression) for eight cheatgrass collections, six bunchgrasses, and three forb species using near surface (1-3 cm) soil water potential and temperature at 31 sites in the Great Basin. We also compared the effects of fire, herbicide applications, and mechanical treatments on germination progression. Sites included grasslands (Elymus spp. and Agropyron spp.) and sagebrush stands (Artemisia spp.) either invaded or not invaded by woodland species (Juniperus spp. and Pinus spp.). Progress toward germination in field seedbeds was summed from field soil temperatures (> 0 °C) when soil was wet (> –1.5 MPa) as measured by thermocouples and gypsum blocks. Soils were wet and warm enough in spring that germination was predicted for most species. However, some perennial grasses and forbs had limited germination progression and may not be suitable for seeding at some locations. In general, predicted germination progression was highest for most cheatgrass collections compared to germination progression of perennial grasses and forbs. Treatments had less effect on surface soil moisture and temperature and germination progression than did site, season, or year.