Establishment and Persistence of Cool- and Warm-Season Grasses on Sandy Soils

摘要

This study investigated the establishment and early persistence of warm- and cool-season grasses sown on sandy soils in a cool, humid climate. Two studies, conducted with several cool-season fine fescue species (Festuca sp.) and the warm-season species Blackwell switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius Michx,) also looked at straw mulch as an aid for early establishment. The results show that the two warm-season grasses and the cool-season fine fescue types have different growth habits, but all species are suitable for reducing erosion on coarse-textured soils containing more than 90% sand. The fine fescues established more quickly and produced a greater vegetative soil cover than little bluestem; they persisted for up to 3 years after seeding. Switchgrass, a warm-season grass, was taller and produced greater yields than the cool-season types. The straw mulch aided the establishment of the cool-season grasses. Both types of grasses are appropriate for revegetating sandy soils in a cool, humid climate.