Non-native and native seeding
| Authors: | Jan L. Beyers |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | Book |
| Station: | Pacific Southwest Research Station |
| Source: | In: Cerdá, A.; Robichaud, P. R., eds. Fire effects on soils and restoration strategies. Enfield, NH: Science Publishers. pp 321-336 |
Abstract
Post-fire seeding is used to stabilize burned slopes by increasing plant cover, prevent invasion of burned areas by noxious weeds, replace weedy annual grasses on burned rangelands, and reestablish desirable vegetation including tree species. Fast-growing pasture grasses and forbs have been most widely applied for post-fire stabilization and rehabilitation, but use of native species is increasing. Successful ground cover enhancement with seeded species depends on protection of the seed from predators and desiccation, the amount and timing of growing-season rainfall, and resting the area from grazing . until seeded species and natural regeneration are well-established. As these conditions are often not met, grass seeding has a mixed record of success for erosion reduction and rangeland rehabilitation. In cases where post-fire erosion would threaten life or property, a more effective hillslope stabilization method should probably be used. Seeded grasses can displace native herbaceous plants in post-fire succession, and high grass cover can limit recruitment of tree and shrub seedlings on burned sites. Land managers must weigh the potential erosion control and noxious weed reduction benefits against the economic cost -of seeding, the ecological cost of native plant suppression, and the possible economic cost to replant timber species.