Monitoring restoration impacts to endemic plant communities in soil inclusions of arid environments
2013
Louhaichi, M. (International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Amman (Jordan)) | Pyke, D.A. (Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Centre, Corvallis (USA). U.S Geological Survey) | Shaff, S.E. (Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Centre, Corvallis (USA). U.S Geological Survey) | Johnson, D.E. (Oregon State Univ., Corvallis (USA). Dept. of Rangeland Ecology and Management)
Slick-spots are soil inclusions with unique loamy soils that provide habitats for many endemic plants worldwide, including those within sagebrush steppe. Sagebrush-dominated communities are declining and require restoration, but restoration techniques commonly used may impact negatively some intermixed communities found on soil inclusions including those on slick-spot soils. Slick-spot soils have unique physical and chemical properties that create saline environments with limited plant cover that may include an endangered plant. This study was conducted to yearly variations in slick-spot soil areas on sites treated with the herbicide glyphosate and/or seeded with a minimum-till drill relative to control areas. During spring 2004, 2005 and 2006, aerial photography and ground measurements of slick-spot areas were taken. Images taken in spring, when vegetation is live and green, can be used to define and measure slick-spot soils. Differences among treatments and years of surface area of slick-spots were less than 1 m2 per subplot, out of a possible 780 m2 per subplot, and were not statistically significant. This implies that there is no effect of minimum-till drill and/or glyphosate on slick-spot soil extent and that slick-spots are fairly stable over time. Aerial photography provides faster and comparable results to traditional ground-based monitoring, while providing managers with a reliable means of tracking these ecosystems across a landscape.
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