Restoration of prairie community structure and ecosystem function in an abandoned hayfield: a sowing experiment
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Published source details
Foster B.L., Murphy C.A., Keller K., Aschenbach T.A. & Questad E. (2007) Restoration of prairie community structure and ecosystem function in an abandoned hayfield: a sowing experiment. Restoration Ecology, 15, 652-661.
Published source details Foster B.L., Murphy C.A., Keller K., Aschenbach T.A. & Questad E. (2007) Restoration of prairie community structure and ecosystem function in an abandoned hayfield: a sowing experiment. Restoration Ecology, 15, 652-661.
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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 2000–2005 in an abandoned pasture in Kansas, USA (Foster et al. 2007). After five years, total plant species richness was higher in plots where seeds had been sown (13–15 species/plot) than in plots where no seeds were sown (8–9 species/plot). The same was true for plant diversity (data reported as Shannon diversity index). In January 2000, seeds of 24 native and eight non-native grassland species were sown at a rate of 12,800 seeds/plot in thirty-four 1 x 1 m plots, and no seeds were sown in another 34 plots. Species richness and diversity were assessed from plant biomass harvested from each plot in June and September 2005.
(Summarised by: Philip Martin)
