These waterways are the most favorable sites for successful seed germination because they receive more moisture, organic matter, soil and nutrients from the surrounding areas. Scientists have successfully dispersed and germinated alkali sacaton, blue panicgrass, other grasses and fourwing saltbush, a shrub. In another tactic under study, scientists are using a portable watering system to insure that desirable grasses and shrubs are established in the dry waterways. These natural methods are low-cost, highly efficient ways to increase the value of native western rangelands. And, planting seed uniformly at the proper depth is as crucial as proper moisture.
Electrical current flowing between two rugged, soil-probing electrodes is monitored continuously.
The stronger the current, the more water available for seeds. In response, a feedback system linked to the tractor's hydraulics lowers or raises the planter's scraper blade. If the electrodes detect soil that's too wet, the blade rises to seek drier soil. Once the blade exposes the appropriate surface, seeds are planted at the depth chosen by the grower. The invention is intended for growers who plant seeds into raised seedbeds or ridges already wetted with rain or a pre-plant irrigation.