Study

The influence of seed addition and cutting regime on the success of grassland restoration on former arable land

  • Published source details Lawson C.S., Ford M.A. & Mitchley J. (2004) The influence of seed addition and cutting regime on the success of grassland restoration on former arable land. Applied Vegetation Science, 7, 259-266.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Sow seeds at start of growing season

Action Link
Grassland Conservation

Mow before or after seeding/planting

Action Link
Grassland Conservation

Sow native grass and forbs

Action Link
Grassland Conservation
  1. Sow seeds at start of growing season

    A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 1994–1996 in two ex-arable sites in Scotland, UK (Lawson et al. 2004) found that sowing seeds in the spring increased the cover of sown forb and grass species, as well as the number of sown species, and reduced the cover and species richness of non-sown species when compared to sowing in the autumn. More species that were sown were present in areas where seeds were sown in spring than areas where seeds were sown in the autumn, and the same pattern was true for cover of sown forb and grass species (no data reported). Similarly, there were fewer non-sown species in areas where seeds were sown in spring compared to areas where seeds were sown in autumn, and their cover was also lower (no data reported). Before seeding, sites were ploughed and harrowed. In May 1994, seeds of 18 species were sown at a rate of 4 g/m2 in four 3 x 9 m plots, and seeds were sown in another four plots in October 1994 at each site. Plant cover and species richness were estimated in June/July 1995 and 1996 using a 1 x 1 m quadrat placed in each plot.

    (Summarised by: Philip Martin)

  2. Mow before or after seeding/planting

    A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 1994–1996 in two ex-arable sites in Scotland, UK (Lawson et al. 2004) found that mowing after sowing seeds increased the abundance of sown forb species and the number of sown species when compared to areas that were seeded but not mown. The cover of sown forb species was higher in areas that had been sown with seeds and mown (10%) than areas that were sown with seeds but not mown (6%). The number of sown species was also higher in areas that were sown with seeds and mown (no data reported). Before seeding, both sites were ploughed and harrowed. In May 1994, seeds of 18 species were sown at a rate of 4 g/m2 in eight 3 x 9 m plots. Half of the area of these plots was mowed once or twice in 1994, while half remained unmown. Plant cover and species richness were estimated in June/July 1995 and 1996 using a 1 x 1 m quadrat placed in each plot.

    (Summarised by: Philip Martin)

  3. Sow native grass and forbs

    A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 1994–1996 in two ex-arable sites in Scotland, UK (Lawson et al. 2004) found that sowing grass and forb seeds increased the number and cover of sown species and reduced the number and cover of non-sown species. More sown species were present in areas where seeds were sown than areas where no seeds were sown, and the same was true for the cover of sown plant species (no data presented). Similarly, there were fewer non-sown species in areas where seeds were sown when compared to unsown areas, and their cover was also lower (no data presented). Before sowing, sites were ploughed and harrowed. Seeds of 18 species were sown in eight 3 x 9 m plots at a rate of 4 g/m2 and no seeds were sown in four plots at each site. Plant cover and species richness were estimated in June/July 1995 and 1996 using a 1 x 1 m quadrat placed in each plot.

    (Summarised by: Philip Martin)

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