Study

Effects of frequent mowing on survival and persistence of forbs seeded into a species-poor grassland

  • Published source details Williams D.W., Jackson L.L. & Smith D.D. (2007) Effects of frequent mowing on survival and persistence of forbs seeded into a species-poor grassland. Restoration Ecology, 15, 24-33.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Sow seeds at start of growing season

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

    A replicated, paired, controlled study in 1998–1999 in tallgrass prairie in Iowa, USA (Williams et al. 2007) found that sowing a local seed mix in spring did not change the number of forb seedlings that emerged when compared to sowing in winter. Plots sown in spring contained 18–32 seedlings/m2, while those sown in winter contained 14–24 seedlings/m2. Six 15 x 20 m plots were sown with 23 native forb species at a rate of 350 seeds/m2 in November 1998 (winter seeding), and six plots were sown in April 1999 (spring). All plots were burned before seeding and mowed weekly from May to September. All plants in seven randomly placed 0.25-m2 quadrats/plot were identified every month from June to September.

    (Summarised by: Philip Martin)

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