Plan Drought conditions had persisted since our original seeding. Because the winter seed mix was also planted late in the season, we could not determine how much of the poor establishment was caused by limited moisture and how much was caused by temperature or timing.
I wanted to test whether clear plastic could capture condensation, reduce moisture loss, and keep surface-broadcast seed moist long enough to improve germination.
We selected a representative area in the middle of the larger overseeded section and placed a sheet of 4-mil clear plastic over approximately 4 by 8 feet of ground. Sticks and rocks were placed loosely around the edges. We did not seal the plastic, allowing air to move beneath it.
The question was whether the plastic could capture and recycle moisture that would otherwise evaporate while still providing enough ventilation to avoid damaging the seed or emerging plants. Conditions News reports of severe drought conditions have served as a constant reminder that conditions were not ideal for our efforts to establish a new pasture from freshly prepared fields following our timber harvest.
Observations
The setup was simple and took approximately three minutes. The plastic remained loosely weighted around the edges rather than sealed, allowing visible openings for ventilation.
Actions Taken
Covered an approximately 3-by-8-foot section of newly overseeded ground with loosely secured 4-mil clear plastic.
Next Step
Check the covered and uncovered areas periodically for condensation, moisture, odor, germination, and plant growth. Photograph both areas from comparable positions.