Integrating herbicide application and seeding techniques to restore native plant diversity in crested wheatgrass‐dominated rangelands

Abstract Introduction Restoring native plant diversity in crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum )‐dominated rangelands is a persistent challenge in ecological restoration across western North America. Dense, long‐lived stands of this exotic grass suppress native seedling recruitment, hinder habitat restoration, and reduce ecosystem resilience. Identifying herbicide and seeding strategies that enhance native establishment is therefore critical for improving rangeland restoration outcomes. Objectives We evaluated whether herbicide intensity, seeding configuration, and their interaction influenced suppression of A. cristatum , establishment of seeded native grasses and forbs, and shifts in plant community composition across three crested wheatgrass‐invaded sites. Methods We applied glyphosate at low (1.1 L/ha) and high (2.3 L/ha) rates, plus an unsprayed control, combined with two drill‐seeding configurations across three crested wheatgrass‐invaded sites in Montana. Each site was drill‐seeded with six native grasses and six native forbs; vegetation was sampled in late June to early July in each year following treatment. Cover, density, and community composition were analyzed for all treatment combinations. Results Higher glyphosate intensity consistently reduced A. cristatum cover across sites. Seeded native grasses showed modest increases under some herbicide–seeding combinations, while seeded forb establishment remained low. Community analyses indicated significant treatment effects, with herbicide intensity contributing more strongly to shifts in community composition than seeding configuration. Conclusions Pre‐seeding herbicide applications reduced A. cristatum dominance and modestly improved native grass establishment, but forb establishment remained limited under all treatments. Across sites, herbicide intensity was a stronger driver of early restoration response than seeding configuration.