Seed mix design and application to overcome seed limitation in floodplain forest restorations

Floodplain forests are crucial ecosystems that play significant roles in biodiversity conservation, water filtration, and flood mitigation, making their preservation and restoration a priority. The restoration of these ecosystems is essential not only for the recovery of their ecological integrity but also for the services they provide to humanity. Many forest restoration efforts have focused primarily on the establishment of canopy species, operating under the assumption that understory species will naturally recolonize. However, the compositional differences between restored and reference forest understories are apparent. To enhance the compositional similarity of restored understories with those of reference sites, I used the species pool model and indicator species analysis to identify 36 indicator species of reference sites for use in restoration seed mixes. This methodological approach highlighted significant differences in various ecological traits between species of reference and restored sites and revealed the inadequacy of commercial seed mixes in representing these indicator species. My framework for seed selection, grounded in the species pool model, aims to facilitate tailored seed mixes for specific restoration goals, emphasizing the inclusion of underrepresented species groups and contributing to evidence-based restoration practices. I also explored the role of seed and establishment limitations in the ecological restoration of floodplain forests by assessing the impact of active seeding of herbaceous-layer plant species on species composition and diversity in restored sites. Although active seeding increased plant species diversity, it did not significantly alter the percent cover of planted species in the short term. My research demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive, region-specific seed mixes and underscores the complexity of forest ecosystem restoration. By advocating for a nuanced approach to understory restoration, my research highlights the potential of tailored seeding strategies to enhance biodiversity and ecological recovery in floodplain forests, stressing the significance of long-term studies to fully comprehend and optimize restoration processes.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Res & Env Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Junga, David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Matthews, Jeffrey W

• Wetland Restoration
• Seed Mix Design
• Indicator Species Analysis

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 David Junga

Language dc:language

eng, en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124411

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/124411