Date of Award

3-1-1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Thomas Bragg

Abstract

Data were collected in Fall, 1993 from a 55-year-old re-established grassland to determine the degree of success of seeding and sodding in re-establishing native prairie species. Species Richness of native species was highest in one seeded re-established site (S = 44), but lowest in a second re-established site (S = 23). Species Richness was second highest at the Native site (S = 42). There was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in Species Diversity between the one seeded and the native treatments. The high diversity in re-established treatments is consistent with that expected of the Intermediate-Disturbance-Hypothesis suggesting the seral nature of the re-established sites. Of the 69 species recorded, 13 occurred in all treatment areas: Seven native grasses (Andropogon gerardii, Andropogon scorpaius, Bouteloua curtipendula, Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum, Eragrostis spectabilis, Panicum virgatum, and Sorghastrum nutans), four native forbs (Achillea millefolium, Ambrosia psilostachya, and Rosa arkansana), and two exotic grass species (Bromus drummonii, and Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) and non-woody species, particularly Bromus inermis emphasize the concern for appropriate management to minimize the impact of these species on either re-established or native sites. This study indicates that efforts to re-establish native tallgrass prairie, whether they include seeding or sodding, can be successful for at least some of the dominant species. However, successful re-establishment of uncommon vascular plants cannot be concluded from the results of this study. Thus, preservation of extant grassland ecosystems remains the best means by which to ensure their preservation.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Biology and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 1998 Gary P. Sullivan.

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