Comparison of Seed Bed Preparation Methods on Seedling Emergence Rate in Six Range Species in Khash Rangelands of Iran

This study was conducted to compare the methods of seed bed preparation in rangelands of Khash region in Sistan and Baluchestan province in Iran. A split plot design was conducted based on Randomized complete block design with three replications in 1999. Five seed bed preparation methods were used as main plot as: 1) Seed sown by passing livestock. 2) Seed sown machinery. 3) Seeds sown as drilled into furrows. 4) Seeds sowing into furrows covered by straw mulch .5) Seed sown machinery and pressed by roller. Six range species were used as: 1) Artemisia santolina, 2) Eurotia ceratoides, 3) Zygophyllum eurypterum, 4) Astragalus squarrosus, 5) Stipagrostis sp. and 6) Artemisia sieberi , as sub-plot. The results of experiment showed significant differences among the seed bed preparation methods on seedling emergence rate. Astragalus and Eurotia had higher germination percent when they sown and passing through livestock. Zygophyllum and Eurotia had higher germination by machinery seeder followed by roller. The lowest germination percent was obtained by method of seed sowing in furrows covered by straw mulch and seeds were sown machinery. Among the species, Eurotia, Zygophyllum and Astragalus were ranked in the first order followed by Artemisia. The Stipagrostis species. Had no germination for all of seed bed treatments.