Key activities, and timing, for revegetation using tubestock and direct seeding methods. Direct seeding provides the best opportunities for introducing a greater diversity of plants but in order to be successful, particular attention should be given to weed control.
Prior to planned revegetation
Revegetated area should be sprayed with knockdown herbicide (Roundup Biactive) to reduce seed set.
Prior to planned revegetation (i.e. as the soil begins to dry out).
Avoid ripping when soils contain a lot of moisture, especially heavy soils.
To shatter any hardpan to allow infiltration of water and roots deep into the soil profile. Ripping 8 months prior to revegetation gives time for air pockets, which may be created by the ripper, to settle out. A mounder creates a raised bed or waterlogged free zone to aid root development in the first season.
Tubestock planting - Rip lines should be around 2 to 3 metres apart, and a ripper mounder should be used in waterlogged and saline sites.
Direct seeding - Rip lines as close as possible.
Order seed the winter prior to planned revegetation; tubestock the December prior.
Seed suppliers collect in spring/early summer. Nurseries require at least six months to grow most species.
Spray germinating weeds after opening rains.
(preferred method for direct seeding)
Scalp the area, using grader blade or similar, to remove top 5 cm of soil. Rows of mounded soil created from this process will need to be sprayed with both a knockdown and residual herbicide.
Tubestock - Trees and shrubs should be planted into rip (and mounded) lines.
Direct seeding - May be done by hand or by a mechanical seeder. Tubestock should be planted on the rows of mounded top soil.
Grass selective herbicide may be used to control subsequent germination of weeds. Broad leaved weeds may be controlled using selective herbicides (e.g. Lontrel), or even a knockdown herbicide at a low rate (e.g. Ally) but expert advice should be sought.
May be necessary depending on survival and germination success. Further weed control may also be required in future years.