Establishing native plants in crested wheatgrass stands using successional management

Abstract

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) is a nonindigenous perennial grass that was introduced to North America to improve the condition of degraded rangelands. It has proven to be a successful revegetation species due to its superior ease of establishment, strong competitive ability, and ability to tolerate grazing. However, crested wheatgrass is criticized for its ability to form monotypic stands that result in low plant diversity. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of crested wheatgrass control methods on native plant establishment using a successional-based approach. I also looked at the effects crested wheatgrass control methods and revegetation had on crested wheatgrass and cheatgrass density and cover, and on soil nitrate, ammonium and water contents. I hypothesized that control methodologies and revegetation would decrease crested wheatgrass density and cover, increase the presence of native species, increase cheatgrass and annual forb density and cover, and initially increase soil nitrate, ammonium and water contents.

Citation

Fansler, Valerie A. 2007. Establishing native plants in crested wheatgrass stands using successional management. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University. 95 p. Thesis.