Restoration of riparian forest using irrigation, artificial disturbance, and natural seedfall
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Authors: J. M. Friedman, M. L. Scott, and W. M. Lewis, Jr.
Date: 1995
Journal: Environmental Management
Volume: 19
Number: 4
Pages: 547-557
Summary of Methods: Plains cottonwood and peachleaf willow seedling establishment was studied to determine the effects of seedbed disturbance and irrigation along Boulder Creek, Colorado (40° 3' N, 105° 8' W). The study reach of the stream had mature cottonwoods and willows in the riparian area. In May 1992, two meter wide strips that stretched from the water’s edge to the natural edge of the floodplain were divided into sections, 19 to 30 m long, based on treatments. These strips were divided into three plots that were then were divided into eight subplots with treatments and combinations of treatments (irrigation and no irrigation, sod removal and no sod removal, and seed addition and no seed addition). Natural seedfall occurred on all plots. In September of 1992 and 1993, woody species density was measured.
Article Summary / Main Points: Irrigation and sod removal increased the cottonwood seedling density. Only sod removal increased willow seedling density. Willow seedlings were sparse and the authors concluded many of the seeds did not germinate or were affected by fluctuations in irrigation. All other treatments and combinations of treatments failed to increase seedling density for either species. Over 20% of the cottonwood seedlings established in 1992 survived to 1993. Cottonwood natural seedfall was enough to provide adequate seeds for establishment as long as the sites were bare and wet.
Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern) Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 49 Southern Rocky Mountain Foothills
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Biological resources
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: disturbance, flood, natural seedfall, peachleaf willow, salix amygdaloides, plains cottonwood, populus deltoides, restoration, riparian, seedling establishment
Annotation: Although the study site was not being grazed at the time of the study, the authors thought grazing had occurred at the site prior to their research. Results from this study could be applicable to other riparian areas with cottonwood and willow communities. These findings could be applied to the restoration of riparian areas degraded by grazing. In addition, properly managed grazing could be used to prepare riparian seedbeds. Care should be taken when removing vegetation along a creek to reduce erosion.
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