Recovery of Shortgrass Plains Vegetation Following Irradiation, Burning, Scraping and Rototilling. Final Report, 21 June 1982-20 December 1984

摘要

Density data by species were collected during June 1982 and a visual estimate of the grass-sedge standing crop was made in September 1983. Additional density data were collected in June 1985. Recovery in the radiation zone of total lethality was faster than originally predicted with a significant amount of blue grama, the dominant climax species, now present. Recovery of burned and scraped plots was similar to plots heavily damaged by radiation. Recovery of rototilled plots was slower. Species specific differences were noted between scraped and rototilled plots indicating either a soil surface or a plant damage difference. Long term recovery can only be determined if the area is monitored for several more years. 5 refs., 2 tabs. (ERA citation 11:001408)