Seeding

What – Aerial and ground application of seed across large areas.  Native seed mixes are preferred, but non-invasive, non-native seed mixes are also used, often with sterile annual grass seeds or cereal grain seeds.

Purpose – Intended to reduce soil erosion.

Effectiveness – Seeding was generally reported as ineffective (i.e., provided < 60% surface cover) the first year following fire and neutral in subsequent growing seasons following fire.  However, when combined with mulching, the potential for germination may increase as a result of seed and moisture being held by mulch.  Sterile annual seeds and cereal grain seeds that germinate can reduce soil erosion after fire, yet not compete with native grasses in subsequent years.  Please note that seeding has the possibility for introducing invasive and noxious species, so be aware of this possibility.

Where

• Hillslopes with moderate and high fire severity.

Cost – $20–170 per acre.  However, trend analysis indicated costs increased over time (Peppin et al. 2011).  Additional factors include:

• Availability of seed
• Number of species in seed mix
• Implementation time frame
• Number of landowners involved
• Elevation and climate
• Size of fire
• Aircraft type
• Topography
• Proximity of treatment blocks to staging areas
• Weather conditions during seeding

How to Links – See USDA BAER Catalog page 64 (PDF page 72); and NRCS Seeding Fact Sheet.