Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil
Abstract Background Grasslands are globally imperiled, facing continued threats from anthropogenic disturbances. Seeding remains a common grassland restoration method, and yet, is typically met with limited success, partially because soils of degraded systems inhibit the germination of native specie...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2022-06-01
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| Series: | Grassland Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12018 |
| _version_ | 1828200138473996288 |
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| author | Eric B. Duell Karen R. Hickman Gail W. T. Wilson |
| author_facet | Eric B. Duell Karen R. Hickman Gail W. T. Wilson |
| author_sort | Eric B. Duell |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Grasslands are globally imperiled, facing continued threats from anthropogenic disturbances. Seeding remains a common grassland restoration method, and yet, is typically met with limited success, partially because soils of degraded systems inhibit the germination of native species. Methods We assessed the germination success of 16 native grassland species sown in soils collected from a degraded grassland converted into a nonnative warm‐season perennial grass, Bothriochloa ischaemum, and areas previously subjected to the eradication of this nonnative species. Our objectives were as follows: (1) determine native seed germination in soils collected from B. ischaemum or eradication control sites, compared to germination in native grassland soil, and (2) assess if native soil inoculation improves germination, compared to germination in degraded soils without inoculation. Results Germination of native species was exceedingly low when seeded into soil dominated by B. ischaemum, or in soil previously treated with combinations of herbicide and prescribed fire, relative to native grassland control. However, amendments with native grassland soil resulted in germination equivalent to native grasslands, alleviating the negative influences of degraded soils. Conclusions Our results highlight the role of native soil in improving the germination of desirable plant species following intensive management and soil degradation. Our research may improve restoration outcomes for managers focused on the conservation and restoration of grasslands. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T11:07:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-79963cdaac9949ecbfd0af860c474739 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2097-051X 2770-1743 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T11:07:53Z |
| publishDate | 2022-06-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Grassland Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-79963cdaac9949ecbfd0af860c4747392022-12-22T03:35:42ZengWileyGrassland Research2097-051X2770-17432022-06-0112758310.1002/glr2.12018Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soilEric B. Duell0Karen R. Hickman1Gail W. T. Wilson2Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Oklahoma State University Stillwater Oklahoma USADepartment of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Oklahoma State University Stillwater Oklahoma USADepartment of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Oklahoma State University Stillwater Oklahoma USAAbstract Background Grasslands are globally imperiled, facing continued threats from anthropogenic disturbances. Seeding remains a common grassland restoration method, and yet, is typically met with limited success, partially because soils of degraded systems inhibit the germination of native species. Methods We assessed the germination success of 16 native grassland species sown in soils collected from a degraded grassland converted into a nonnative warm‐season perennial grass, Bothriochloa ischaemum, and areas previously subjected to the eradication of this nonnative species. Our objectives were as follows: (1) determine native seed germination in soils collected from B. ischaemum or eradication control sites, compared to germination in native grassland soil, and (2) assess if native soil inoculation improves germination, compared to germination in degraded soils without inoculation. Results Germination of native species was exceedingly low when seeded into soil dominated by B. ischaemum, or in soil previously treated with combinations of herbicide and prescribed fire, relative to native grassland control. However, amendments with native grassland soil resulted in germination equivalent to native grasslands, alleviating the negative influences of degraded soils. Conclusions Our results highlight the role of native soil in improving the germination of desirable plant species following intensive management and soil degradation. Our research may improve restoration outcomes for managers focused on the conservation and restoration of grasslands.https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12018Bothriochloa ischaemuminvasive speciesrestorationsoil inoculation |
| spellingShingle | Eric B. Duell Karen R. Hickman Gail W. T. Wilson Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil Grassland Research Bothriochloa ischaemum invasive species restoration soil inoculation |
| title | Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil |
| title_full | Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil |
| title_fullStr | Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil |
| title_full_unstemmed | Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil |
| title_short | Inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil |
| title_sort | inoculation with native grassland soils improves native plant species germination in highly disturbed soil |
| topic | Bothriochloa ischaemum invasive species restoration soil inoculation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12018 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ericbduell inoculationwithnativegrasslandsoilsimprovesnativeplantspeciesgerminationinhighlydisturbedsoil AT karenrhickman inoculationwithnativegrasslandsoilsimprovesnativeplantspeciesgerminationinhighlydisturbedsoil AT gailwtwilson inoculationwithnativegrasslandsoilsimprovesnativeplantspeciesgerminationinhighlydisturbedsoil |