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Survey of viability of indigenous grasses, forbs, and shrubs: techniques of initial acquisition and treatment for propagation in preparation for future land reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Final report, June 1, 1975-June 30, 1982

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5411868
Research begun in 1975 on the biology of indigenous grasses, forbs and shrubs of southeastern Montana clearly shows the complex nature of the systems by which these species reestablish themselves. The diversity found among the species undoubtedly contributes to the stability of the Great Plains vegetation. Some species were found to have very narrow requirements for establishment while others were very plastic. The strategies employed for reestablishment are closely tied to the species phenology, seed vigor and seedling vigor. It appears from this research that considerably less than 50 percent of the common indigenous species of southeastern Montana will easily and rapidly establish on the mine spoils. This research also shows that the probability of establishment success will be enhanced significantly by selection of those species which germinate a large percentage of their seed rapidly and which have seedlings that can maintain their growth through at least a short drought period. Those species were identified in this project. Selection for species that germinate at a broad range of temperatures including cool temperatures, at least down to 10/sup 0/C, will also improve chances of establishment. Finally, many species have been identified for which much more work is needed. Shrubs in particular were difficult to work with. Dormancy-breaking requirements are rather specialized and, therefore, may not be achieved regularly in the field. Other species have such low seed and seedling vigor that their use in reclamation plantings cannot be encouraged.
Research Organization:
Montana Univ., Missoula (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AT06-76EV77002
OSTI ID:
5411868
Report Number(s):
RLO-2232-T2-18; ON: DE82018880
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Survey of viability of indigenous grasses, forbs, and shrubs: techniques of initial acquisition and treatment for propagation in preparation for future land reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Annual progress report, June 1, 1979-May 31, 1980
Technical Report · Thu Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1980 · OSTI ID:5646211
Survey of viability of indigenous grasses, forbs, and shrubs: techniques of initial acquisition and treatment for propagation in preparation for future land reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Annual progress report, June 1, 1976--May 31, 1977
Technical Report · Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1977 · OSTI ID:5374087
Survey of viability of indigenous grasses, forbs and shrubs: techniques for initial acquisition and treatment for propagation in preparation for future land reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Annual progress report, June 1, 1977--May 31, 1978
Technical Report · Tue Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1978 · OSTI ID:6647118

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GERMINATION
GROWTH
INFORMATION
LAND RECLAMATION
MOISTURE
MONTANA
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
REVEGETATION
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SPECIES DIVERSITY
SPOIL BANKS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
USA
VARIATIONS