Sowing density effects and patterns of colonization in a prairie restoration

摘要: A cost-effective approach in plant restorations could be to increase sowing density for species known challenging establish, while reducing that easily colonize on their own. Sowing need not occur evenly across the site rapidly dispersing species. We explored these issues using a prairie restoration experiment high-school campus with three treatments: plots sown only grasses (G plots), and forbs (GF1), at twice (GF2). In year 2, GF1 GF2 had higher diversity than G plots, as expected, but treatments did have forb cover. However, high increased richness, probably by stochastic factors establishment. Cover of nonsown was highest lowest suggesting suppressive effects native weedy Colonization two (Coreopsis tinctoria Rudbeckia hirta) apparent after 2.5 years, providing evidence are self-sustaining. greater edges central areas plots. Through construction establishment kernels, we infer mean distance shorter R. hirta (6.7 m) compared C. (21.1 m). Our results lead us advocate practices consider seed also subsequent dispersal Furthermore, conclude research is particularly amenable outdoor education university-high school collaborations.