Seedling ecology and restoration of blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) in the Mojave Desert, United States

Published source details Jones L.C., Schwinning S. & Esque T.C. (2014) Seedling ecology and restoration of blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) in the Mojave Desert, United States. Restoration Ecology, 22, 692-700.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Plant seed balls Action Link
	Plant/seed under established vegetation Action Link

Plant seed balls

A randomized, replicated, controlled study in three blackbrush shrubland sites in California, USA (Jones et al. 2014) found that planting seed balls containing shrubland species resulted in lower seedling numbers than sowing seeds. Seedling emergence was lower in areas where seed balls containing shrubland species were planted (0–5% of seeds) than in areas where seeds were sown (17–22% of seed). Plots measuring 70 cm x 70 cm were established and in January 2010 seed balls planted in some plots and seeds sown in the other plots (number of plots unclear). Seedling emergence was assessed in between March 2010 and May 2012.

(Summarised by: Phil Martin)
Plant/seed under established vegetation

A randomized, replicated, controlled study in three blackbrush shrubland sites in California, USA (Jones et al. 2014) found that sowing seeds under established shrubs had mixed effects on blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima seedling emergence. In one of three cases seedling emergence was higher under shrubs (28 seedlings/plot) than in open areas (21 seedlings/plot), but did not significantly differ under shrubs (25 seedlings/plot) from open areas (31 seedlings/plot) in one of three cases, and was lower under shrubs (15 seedlings/plot) than in open areas (25 seedlings/plot) in one of three cases. Plots measuring 70 cm x 70 cm were placed close to mature shrubs or at least 1 m away from shrubs (number of plots unclear). In January 2010 150 blackbrush seeds were sown in each plot. Seedling emergence was assessed in between March 2010 and May 2012.

(Summarised by: Phil Martin)