Study

Seed islands may promote establishment and expansion of native species in reclaimed mine sites (Montana)

  • Published source details Reever Morghan K., Sheley R., Denny M. & Pokorny M. (2005) Seed islands may promote establishment and expansion of native species in reclaimed mine sites (Montana). Ecological Restoration, 23, 214-215.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Sow seeds in part of site

Action Link
Grassland Conservation
  1. Sow seeds in part of site

    A study in 1998–2003 at two reclaimed mine sites in southeast Montana, USA (Reever Morghan et al. 2005) found that two of three native plant species sown within plots spread to unsown areas at each site. After 3–4 years, 113–146 narrow-leaved purple cornflower Echinacea angustifolia patches and 6–14 white sagebrush Artemisia ludoviciana patches were recorded in unsown areas of the sites at average distances of 50–67 m and 32–46 m from the nearest sown plot, respectively. After four years, large Indian breadroot Pediomelum esculentum plants were not recorded in unsown areas at either site. In autumn 1998, eighteen 9-m2 plots (64 m apart) were tilled at each of the two sites. In February 1999, purple cornflower (2,133 seeds/m2), white sagebrush (161 seeds/m2) or Indian breadroot (161 seeds/m2) was sown in the plots (number of plots for each not reported). Both sites were strip-mined in 1980–1983 and reseeded with 12 native grass species and five native forbs in 1990–1993. One of the two sites was grazed on rotation during the study. In 2002 and 2003, new patches (individual plants or plant clusters) of each of the three plant species were mapped within unsown areas of each site.

     

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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