A long‐term evaluation of applied nucleation as a strategy to facilitate forest restoration

摘要: Applied nucleation is a restoration technique that seeks to facilitate woody-plant establishment by attracting birds or other animals may introduce seeds of dispersal-limited species. In 1991, an experimental test applied was initiated in abandoned landfill New Jersey, USA. Trees and shrubs were planted into 16 10 x m plots, covering < 3% the 6-ha site. 2010-2011, we sampled plant community impact treatments on forest cover biodiversity. Site-wide increased substantially 19 years since planting from none 59%. The original plots had significantly higher stem density, particularly bird-dispersed species, than unplanted areas. Species composition outside dominated wind-dispersed Fraxinus americana several small-seeded but there few species indicative later successional stages. expected model development via rates colonization would be highest near plantings spread outward established clusters not supported after this time span. Given site's isolation potential sources woody propagules, have been enough overcome many species' dispersal limitation. Regardless mechanism, however, transformed once essentially treeless site densely wooded habitat, did so at rate faster descriptions reforestation following disturbances land-use changes region. Despite relatively low richness community, experiment demonstrated even severely degraded habitat can achieved with minimal management preparation cluster plantings.