Study

Reintroduction of Nassella pulchra to California coastal grasslands: effects of topsoil removal, plant neighbour removal and grazing

  • Published source details Buisson E., Holl K.D., Anderson S., Corcket E., Hayes G.F., Torre F., Peeters A. & Dutoit T. (2008) Reintroduction of Nassella pulchra to California coastal grasslands: effects of topsoil removal, plant neighbour removal and grazing. Applied Vegetation Science, 11, 195-204.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Remove topsoil or turf before seeding/planting

Action Link
Grassland Conservation
  1. Remove topsoil or turf before seeding/planting

    A replicated, paired, controlled study in 2002–2004 in a coastal grassland in California, USA (Buisson et al. 2008) found that removing topsoil before sowing and planting purple needlegrass Nassella pulchra increased seedling and transplant survival. After 17 weeks, more purple needlegrass seedlings had emerged and survived in plots where topsoil was removed before sowing (41–53%) than in plots where topsoil was left intact before sowing (13–27%). After 1.5 years, the survival of purple needlegrass transplants was higher in plots where topsoil was removed before planting (20–28%) than in plots where topsoil was left intact (5–15%). In August 2002, twenty-four 0.75 x 1.5 m plots were established in exotic grass and forb patches. Topsoil was removed to a depth of 10 cm from 12 of the plots by tilling and scraping, while in 12 plots topsoil was left intact. Half of each plot was sown with 25 locally-collected purple needlegrass seeds in October 2002, and half was planted with four purple needlegrass transplants in January 2003. Seedling number and survival were recorded in each plot until March 2003. Transplant survival was recorded until June 2004.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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