Understanding the factors that limit restoration success on a recreation-impacted subalpine site

Abstract

Factors that limit successful revegetation of a subalpine site were studied through a combination of soil assays, greenhouse studies, and field manipulations. Campsite soils had higher available nitrogen, lower microbial community diversity, and lower seed bank density than undisturbed soils. In the greenhouse, there was no significant difference in plant growth on disturbed versus undisturbed soils. In the field, seedling establishment patterns did not vary between experimental plots with five different soil treatments (ranging from a control to a compost and inoculum amendment). Addition of seeds and transplants increased seedling density, but not growth. Microclimatic variation may be the overriding limiting factor at this site.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Zabinski, Catherine; Cole, David. 2000. Understanding the factors that limit restoration success on a recreation-impacted subalpine site. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-5. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 216-221