Restoring degraded riparian meadows: biomass and species responses
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Published source details
Martin D.W. & Chambers J.C. (2001) Restoring degraded riparian meadows: biomass and species responses. Journal of Range Management, 54, 284-291.
Published source details Martin D.W. & Chambers J.C. (2001) Restoring degraded riparian meadows: biomass and species responses. Journal of Range Management, 54, 284-291.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Sow native grass and forbs Action Link |
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Sow native grass and forbs
A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 1995–1998 in three degraded riparian meadow sites in Nevada, USA (Martin & Chambers 2001) found that sowing native grass and forb seeds did not lead to an increase in overall plant biomass and the establishment of sown species was low. After three years, average plant biomass did not differ significantly between plots sown with native grass and forb seeds (555–825 g/m2) and unseeded plots (580–610 g/m2). In addition, only one of the six sown species (Nebraska sedge Carex nebrascensis) was reported to be present in any of the sown plots after three years. In 1995, at each of three sites, one plot measuring 16–25 m2 was sprayed with herbicide (Round-up®), tilled to disturb the soil, and sown at a rate of 875 seeds/m2 with six riparian meadow species. One plot in each site was not sprayed with herbicide, disturbed or sown with seed. In July 1996–1998, five 0.1-m2 quadrats were randomly placed in each plot and vegetation clipped to determine biomass.
(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)
