We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Grassland restoration by seeding: seed source and growth form matter more than density.
- Authors
Walker, Emer A.; Hermann, Julia‐Maria; Kollmann, Johannes; Fraser, Lauchlan
- Abstract
Question What is the relative significance of seed source, growth form and seeding density in contributing to restoration of calcareous grasslands? Location Experimental field site on calcareous gravel in the lowlands north of Munich (S Germany). Methods The research question was investigated using a dominant grass ( Festuca rubra) and three subordinate forbs ( Buphthalmum salicifolium, Dianthus carthusianorum, Linum perenne). A randomized split-block design consisting of six blocks was established with two growth forms of F. rubra (rhizomatous, tussock) from two sources (cultivars, 'regional' plants from the region of the field experiment) seeded at two densities (800, 1600 seed·m−2) and inter-seeded with forbs from cultivar and regional sources (100 seed·m−2). Each combination of plant source, growth form and seeding density of the dominant species was replicated six times. Individual numbers of F. rubra (Year 1), the subordinate species (Year 1 and Year 2) and the spontaneously invading alien plant Erigeron annuus (Year 2) were counted, and total cover of vascular plants in each subplot and average number of flowers per area were recorded in Year 2. Results Regional seed generally had higher establishment than the cultivar counterpart in both the dominant and subordinate species. Growth form and seeding density of F. rubra differed little in their effects on establishment of the forbs, but fewer E. annuus invaded subplots with regional F. rubra, and subplots with the tussock growth form. Only in D. carthusianorum did regional rather than cultivar subordinates produce more flowers. Conclusions Seed source and growth form are the most significant factors for designing seed mixtures for restoration of calcareous grasslands.
- Subjects
GRASSLAND restoration; GRASSLAND management; RESTORATION ecology; RED fescue; BUNCHGRASSES; SEEDLINGS
- Publication
Applied Vegetation Science, 2015, Vol 18, Issue 3, p368
- ISSN
1402-2001
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/avsc.12153