The Dixon Land Imprinter™ (DLI) is an implement for soil surface treatment that is used to create depressions in the soil surface in order to promote the germination and establishment of native plant species following a wildfire. The tool is typically towed behind a tractor and creates small, shallow trenches in the soil that become filled with storm water, wind-blown organic matter and seeds. These trenches help to protect the seed from erosion and desiccation, and can also direct water to the roots of newly germinated plants. (Note: a Dixon Land Imprinter™ de-compacts the soil. A roller (drum) chopper knocks down brush and a sheepsfoot roller compacts the soil somewhat similar in appearance but totally different results).
It's important to note that the DLI can be an effective tool for post-fire revegetation, as it can be used as a standalone solution. Under critical conditions it can be used in conjunction with other strategies such as planting plugs, and erosion control measures. Additionally, it should be used in the context of a comprehensive fire recovery plan that takes into account other factors such as site conditions, invasive species, and future land use.
The cost of using the DLI for post-fire revegetation and recovery varies depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the area being treated and the type of vegetation being planted.
The Dixon Land Imprinter™ is a type of equipment that is designed to improve soil health and productivity. Some of the potential benefits of using the Dixon Land Imprinter™ include:
100x Increase in Storm water Infiltration and Water Retention: The Dixon Land Imprinter™ creates depressions in the soil that help to capture and retain rainfall. This can help to reduce erosion and runoff, and increase soil moisture levels.
Enhanced Soil Fertility: The Dixon Land Imprinter™ breaks up compacted soil and incorporates organic matter into the soil. This can help to improve soil fertility and promote the growth of healthy crops.
Improved Soil Structure: The Dixon Land Imprinter™ helps to create pore spaces in the soil, which allows air and water to circulate more easily. This can help to improve soil structure and reduce soil compaction.
Reduced Weed Growth: The Dixon Land Imprinter™ can help to reduce weed growth by creating a more hospitable environment for desirable plants to grow. By improving soil health and fertility it is more difficult for weeds to take hold.
A study performed by the University of California Cooperative Extension in 2005 and funded by Caltrans. The study was titled "Erosion Control Values of the Dixon Land Imprinter" and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Dixon Land Imprinter™ in reducing soil erosion and increasing vegetation growth along highway slopes in California.
The study involved a field experiment that compared the performance of the Dixon Land Imprinter™ with conventional seeding methods on a highway slope in Napa County, California. The study measured the erosion control values of the two methods by evaluating soil loss, vegetation cover, and plant survival rates over a period of two years.
The results of the study showed that the Dixon Land Imprinter™ was more effective than conventional seeding methods in reducing soil erosion and promoting vegetation growth on the highway slope. The study also found that the Dixon Land Imprinter™ had the potential to reduce the cost of erosion control measures for Caltrans. Title: Erosion Control Values of the Dixon Land Imprinter™ Authors: Kelly, M., and Tate, K. Institution: University of California Cooperative Extension Funding: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Year: 2005
Increased Crop Yields: By improving soil health and fertility, the Dixon Land Imprinter™ can help to increase crop yields. This can lead to higher profits for farmers and help to ensure a more secure food supply.
The DLI is a portable implement with a seed box attached it drops seed onto the ground, scarifies them and pushes them just below the soil surface . This method is used in reclamation and recovery as it helps to promote the growth of new vegetation in areas that have been critically damaged. The trenches created by the tool help to protect the seed from being washed away by rain, and also help to retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial for seed germination. The cost of using the DLI alone varies depending on the specific project, but it is typically determined by the size of the site and can be as low as less than $25 per acre, depending on the location and the amount of work required. This cost typically does not include the cost of the seed. Benefits of Imprinting include: No-till, soil decompaction, minimum 100x storm water infiltration rate increase, erosion control, seeding for revegetation, best germination rates & diversity of native emergence than other methods (UC Davis), non-chemical weed control by inter-seeding and dust control.
Scroll down and click on “Dixon Land Imprinter Imprinter™ Models & Introduction” for information on models available
