Effects of Site Preparation, Seed Germination, and Harvest Maturity on Wiregrass Restoration Efforts at Fort Stewart, GA

<p>Wiregrass (Aristida stricta Michx.) was once the dominant ground cover species within the Atlantic Coastal Plain longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystem. Less than 1 million hectares of intact longleaf pine-wiregrass communities remain, due primarily to anthropogenic activities. Wiregrass is a keystone species in the longleaf pine ecosystem, as its presence facilitates the natural fire regime, a critical component in the perpetuation of these communities. Therefore, there is increased interest in wiregrass restoration in both existing longleaf pine communities and future longleaf pine restoration sites. Many restoration sites are on tracts that have been cleared of all vegetation. Removal of stumps, roots, and debris causes a high level of disturbance to the upper soil layer. Disturbed soil must first be leveled and compacted before wiregrass seed can be sown effectively. The first objective of this study was to study the effect of wiregrass seed harvest date on germination success. The second objective of this study was to compare two methods of soil compaction, bulldozer versus cultipacker, as measured by wiregrass establishment and vigor. A significant difference in germination rates was found among seed harvested on differing dates relative to seed maturation. Wiregrass seedling density and vigor were similar among compaction treatments and plots. Results of this study arediscussed in the context of updating restoration protocols for wiregrass seed harvest and site preparation.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Biology

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Anderson, Nickey Garrett

Contributors dc:contributor

• C. Ray Chandler
• Subhrajit K. Saha

• ETD
• Wiregrass
• Aristida stricta
• Site preparation
• Soil compaction
• Longleaf pine ecosystem
• Atlantic Coastal Plain
• Biology
• Plant Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/26

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1025