The impact of seed mix weight on diversity and species composition in a tallgrass prairie restoration planting, Nachusa Grasslands, Illinois, USA

Published source details Goldblum D., Glaves B.P., Rigg L.S. & Kleiman B. (2013) The impact of seed mix weight on diversity and species composition in a tallgrass prairie restoration planting, Nachusa Grasslands, Illinois, USA. Ecological Restoration, 31, 154-167.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Sow native grass and forbs Action Link

Sow native grass and forbs

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2006–2008 in a former agricultural field in Illinois, USA (Goldblum et al. 2013) found that sowing grass and forb seeds increased plant species richness, but had mixed effects on plant species diversity and vegetation cover. In 12 of 12 comparisons, plant species richness was higher in plots where grass and wildflower seeds were sown (5–10 species/plot) than in plots where no seeds were sown (2 species/plot). In five of 12 comparisons, plant species diversity was higher in plots where grass and wildflower seeds were sown than where seeds were not sown, but in seven comparisons there was no significant difference (measured as Shannon-Weiner index). In eight of 12 comparisons, there was no significant difference in plant cover between areas where seeds were sown (90–143%) and not sown (62–136%), but in four comparisons plant cover was higher in sown areas (sown: 105–120%, unsown: 62–76%). In December 2006, fifteen 9 x 9 m plots were sown with a mixture of grass and forb seeds of 128 species (applied at four different rates: 11.2, 33.6, 56.0 and 78.5 kg/ha), and three plots were not sown with seed. In June, July and August 2008, 1 x 1 m quadrats were placed in each plot and plant cover estimated.

(Summarised by: Philip Martin)