Effect of sowing method, soil moisture and temperature on establishment from coated grass seed

Abstract

Two field trials showed up to 60% greater establishment from surface-sown coated ryegrass seed compared with bare seed. Coating had a minimal effect on drilled seed. Multiple sowings over two seasons showed that the increase in establishment from coated seed relative to bare seed was only weakly related to temperature and soil moisture. The trend was for greater establishment from coated seed at lower mean establishment rates and higher soil temperature. Keywords Dactylis glomerata, grass seed coating, environmental interactions, L&urn perenne