Full TGIF Record # 1070
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Author(s):Wathern, P.
Author Affiliation:University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography, Scotland
Title:The ecology of herb establishment and survival in swards and its relevance to grassland reinstatement
Source:Rasen, Grunflachen, Begrunungen. Vol. 8, No. 4, December 1977, p. 102-108.
Publishing Information:Bonn-Bad godesberg, Hortus Verlag
# of Pages:7
Keywords:TIC Keywords: Improvement; Ecology; Turf; Renovation
Abstract/Contents:An understanding of grassland ecology should lead to the design of alternative methods of grassland reinstatement which would not only produce a green cover, but also create low productivity swards with a greater potential for wildlife conservation. In areas of low intensity of use, such swards would be more suitable than the highly productive, simple, monotonous grassland produced at present. The invasion of reinstated grasslands can be divided into four phases, transfer of propagules from existing vegetation, establishment, survival and periodic re-establishment. Certain species are mobile and readily invade new habitat but some species may have to be introduced by man, if they are to establish in new vegetation. The germination of seeds and establishment of seedlings in grassland is controlled by sward density and the characteristic of micro-sites. Increasing sward density has two opposite effects. The increased cover reduces fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature in micro-sites. Increased cover also leads to increased competition between grasses and seedlings. Intermediate swards permit optimum establishment by ameliorating microhabitats without removing seedlings by competitive exclusion. Some grassland herbs have long half lives and once established survive for many years. Herbs may be established readily from seed and vegetative fragments (particularly small pieces of turf) in intermediate swards.
Language:English
References:40
Note:Abstract appears in German, English, and French
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ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Wathern, P. 1977. The ecology of herb establishment and survival in swards and its relevance to grassland reinstatement. Rasen Turf Gazon. 8(4):p. 102-108.
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MSU catalog number: SB 433 .R3
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