Effects of biochar, subsoiling, and native seeding on the establishment of pollinator habitat in log landings

Habitat loss and degradation are among the greatest threats to wild bee populations. Since pollinators are keystone species for agricultural and forested ecosystems, pollinator habitat restoration is critical to ecosystem health and stability worldwide. Boosting the abundance, richness, and diversity of floral resources and bee nesting sites may assist in this goal. Log landings (areas where harvested timber is stored and loaded for transport) have the unique potential to act as early successional pollinator habitat in otherwise densely stocked forests. While challenged with soil compaction, erosion, residual mulch and logging debris, and invasive species, log landings are worthwhile areas to study the establishment of ephemeral pollinator habitat. The Pollinator Habitat in Log Landings (PHiLL) project was designed to investigate this establishment across the Hoosier, Shawnee, and Mark Twain National Forests of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Three soil treatments and a control were applied across five landings in each National Forest to improve soil conditions, along with the seeding of 31 competitive, pollinator-friendly native plants. Study treatments included a biochar amendment to the soil, subsoiling to reduce compaction, a combination of subsoiling and biochar, and a control treatment. Results show that soil treatments had little impact on the developing vegetation community, while seeding native plants and time were most impactful. Forest treatments behaved differently through time, consistently shaping results. The presence or absence of invasive plants was a critical determinant in the extent and quality of the overall success of each log landing. Results suggest the importance of developing an effective native seed mix, combating invasive species where present, and considering the use of soil treatments only if applicable to management goals. Results may influence the management practices of foresters, landowners, agriculturalists, and others concerned with the restoration and support of pollinator communities globally.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Resources(MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Scott, Sloane

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Knapp, Benjamin

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/107889

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/107889